CN112928613A

CN112928613A - A housing arrangement; an assembly; and method

Info

Publication number: CN112928613A
Application number: CN202110080792.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·D·莱杰伍德; T·L·图佩尔; C·E·得卡尔; M·勒朱卡; J·M·马纳汉; A·F·斯卡拉塔
Original assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Ltd
Current assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Ltd
Priority date: 2016-02-12
Filing date: 2017-02-10
Publication date: 2021-06-08
Anticipated expiration: 2037-02-10
Also published as: DE112017000405T5; WO2017139650A1; US20190109444A1; MX2022015754A; US11682887B2; US10177548B2; CN108780985B; CN112928613B; MX2018009768A; US20170237245A1; CN108780985A; MX2021014831A; US11081868B2; CA3014182A1; US20210367413A1

Abstract

Aspects and techniques of the present disclosure relate to enclosures, such as electrical enclosures, such as explosion-proof enclosures, and incorporate advantageous features and methods that may be used with such enclosures. The disclosed features and techniques relate to: a housing fastening means; a visual indicator; a housing manipulation assistance arrangement; a control handle; and a reset controller.

Description

A housing arrangement; an assembly; and method

The application is applied for 2 months and 10 days in 2017, application number 201780018105.1 (international publication number WO2017/139650), and the name of the invention is' shell arrangement; an assembly; and the divisional application of the Chinese patent application of method.

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application was filed as a PCT international patent application on day 10, 2.2017 and claiming the benefit of U.S. patent application serial No. 62/294,764 filed on day 12, 2.2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to enclosures, and more particularly to advantageous features and methods that may be used with various enclosures. These features and techniques are particularly applicable to electrical enclosures, such as explosion-proof enclosures.

Background

Various housing types are known. Many housing types are configured for housing active electrical and electronic equipment, such as for use in hazardous environments. Many types of enclosures are explosion proof when used for this purpose.

Often, a problem with hazardous environments is that sparks or flames may ignite combustible gases or other components in the operating environment. The explosion proof housing is designed and constructed to meet industry standards, such as those contained in the National Electrical Code (NEC). Explosion proof enclosures, such as cast boxes, typically include a first housing portion containing active electrical and electronic instruments or devices and a second housing portion attached to the first housing portion to completely enclose the devices. The first and second housing portions are secured to provide containment of any internal combustible events originating from the interior of the enclosure.

The explosion proof enclosure is configured to allow gas from the interior of the enclosure to escape from the joints of the enclosure and cool as the gas exits the explosion proof enclosure. The junction, also referred to as a flame path, exists where the two surfaces meet and provides a path from the interior of the flameproof housing to the exterior of the flameproof housing along which one or more gases may travel. The engagement portion may be the mating of any two or more surfaces.

Some notable problems with conventional explosion proof enclosures include: (1) the first and second housing portions of the explosion proof enclosure are typically secured to one another with bolts; this is inconvenient for obtaining access rights; (2) explosion-proof enclosures contain complex components for handling the electrical equipment contained therein, making manufacturing more costly; (3) once installed in place, the explosion proof enclosure may be large and heavy to safely move or difficult to open; and (4) the explosion proof enclosure may be exposed to corrosive conditions such that it may be difficult to open the explosion proof enclosure after a period of time, resulting in the opening becoming unwieldy and unsafe.

There is a need for an improved housing. The improvements characterized herein are particularly applicable to explosion proof enclosures, but to other types of enclosures.

Disclosure of Invention

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a housing arrangement that includes a housing having a cover and a body. The cover may include a cover peripheral flange and the body may include a body peripheral flange that engages along the joint when in the closed relationship. The clamp arrangement may be configured to secure the cover peripheral flange and the body peripheral flange together. The clamp arrangement may comprise at least a first clamp member, the first clamp member comprising a clamping flange. The first clamp member is movable between an engaged position and a retracted position. When in the engaged position, the first clamp member may be mounted on a first one of the cover and the body with the clamp flange extending over a portion of a second one of the cover and the body at a location opposite the junction between the cover peripheral flange and the body peripheral flange to apply the closing pressure. When in the retracted position, the first clamp member may remain secured to the first of the cover and the main body in a manner that does not interfere with opening of the cover relative to the main body. These features and techniques are well suited for use with explosion proof enclosures, but may also be used with other types of enclosures.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a housing arrangement that includes a housing having a cover and a body. The cover may have a cover peripheral flange and the body may have a body peripheral flange. The housing arrangement may include a control handle mounted thereon that is movable between a first rotational position and a second rotational position. The housing arrangement includes a closure arrangement operable to selectively secure the housing closed. The housing arrangement may further include a visual indicator mounted on the control handle such that when the control handle is in the first rotational position, the visual indicator inhibits entry into the closed arrangement, and when the control handle is in the second rotational position, the visual indicator facilitates opening into the closed arrangement. These features and techniques are well suited for use with explosion proof enclosures, but may also be used with other types of enclosures.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a housing arrangement that includes a housing having a cover and a body. The cover may have a cover peripheral flange and the body may have a body peripheral flange. The cover and the body are openable along a junction between the cover peripheral flange and the body peripheral flange. The housing may include a housing manipulation assistance arrangement having a dependent closing assistance orientation and an opening assistance orientation. The housing handling assist arrangement may comprise at least one hook and fastening arrangement comprising: a first hook member; and a detachable attachment arrangement including a first detachable attachment member may be positioned in the lid peripheral flange; and the second detachable attachment member may be positioned in the body peripheral flange. The first and second attachment members may be positioned adjacent to each other and spaced apart from each other across a junction between the cover and the body peripheral flange. The at least one hook and fastening arrangement may be configured with a first hook member fastened on the engagement portion by first and second detachable attachment members when in the hanging closed assist orientation; and when in the opening assist orientation, the first hook member has been removed from attachment to the housing, the first detachable attachment member can be replaced in the lid peripheral flange, and the second detachable attachment member can be replaced in the body peripheral flange. These features and techniques are well suited for use with explosion proof enclosures, but may also be used with other types of enclosures.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a housing arrangement that includes a housing having a cover and a body. The body defines a cavity and the electrical component is mounted within the cavity of the body. The electrical assembly may have a rotary switch device configured to move about a first arc of rotational motion between a first operational configuration and a second operational configuration. The first operating configuration may be a power-on configuration and the second operating configuration may be a power-off configuration. The control handle may be mounted on the outside of the housing main body. The control handle may be configured to move about a second arc of rotational motion between a first rotational position and a second rotational position. The first rotational position may be an on position that causes the rotary switching device to be in the energized configuration, and the second rotational position may be an off position that causes the rotary switching device to be in the de-energized configuration. These features and techniques are well suited for use with explosion proof enclosures, but may also be used with other types of enclosures.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a housing arrangement including a housing having a cover and a body defining a cavity. The electrical component may be mounted within the cavity of the body. The electronic assembly may have a non-toggle linearly actuated reset button configured to move linearly between a reset configuration and a non-reset configuration. A rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement may be mounted externally of the housing body. The rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement may be configured to move about an arc of rotational motion between a first rotational position and a second rotational position upon actuation. The first rotational position causes the non-dialing linear actuation reset button to be in a reset configuration and the second rotational position causes the non-dialing linear actuation reset button to be in a non-reset configuration. A rotary-to-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement may also be positioned within the cavity of the body adjacent the electrical component. The rotary-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement may be arranged and configured to transfer a rotary motion from the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement to a linear motion of the non-toggle linearly actuated reset button. These features and techniques are well suited for use with explosion proof enclosures, but may also be used with other types of enclosures.

The various aspects characterized above in this section may be used together or separately in a housing arrangement.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first example enclosure including features of a steering assist arrangement and a clamp arrangement in accordance with selected principles of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a schematic front view of the housing shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of the housing shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a schematic bottom view of the housing shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a body of the housing of fig. 1, showing an example clamp device of the clamp arrangement of fig. 1 and an exploded view of a control handle of the housing according to the principles of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a clamp device of the clamp arrangement shown in fig. 5.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged schematic partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the fixture apparatus shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side schematic partial view of a portion of the housing shown in FIG. 1 depicting the visual indicator in a position to block access to the clamp device according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a side schematic partial view of a portion of the housing shown in FIG. 8 depicting a visual indicator in a position to facilitate access to a clamp device in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 is an exploded schematic view of the features depicted in fig. 5 in the housing of fig. 1.

Fig. 10A is a side schematic partial view depicting an enlarged rotation mechanical linkage arrangement including the control handle of fig. 5 in an on position according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10B is a side schematic partial view depicting the enlarged rotating mechanical linkage arrangement shown in FIG. 10A with the control handle of FIG. 10A in an open position.

Fig. 10C is a top schematic view of the enlarged rotating mechanical linkage arrangement shown in fig. 10A.

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a second example housing showing a reset controller in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the main body of the housing of FIG. 11, showing an exploded view of selected features of the clamp device and the reset controller of the housing in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a schematic exploded view of the reset controller shown in FIG. 12 along with active electrical components in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a third example housing showing a reset controller and control handle according to the principles of the present disclosure.

Fig. 15 is a schematic view of the main body of the housing shown in fig. 14, showing an exploded schematic view of selected components of the housing.

Fig. 16 is a schematic exploded view of the assembly of fig. 15 without the body of the housing.

Detailed Description

I. General features of the example housing; FIGS. 1 to 4

Fig. 1-4 depict various schematic views of an example housing incorporating features in accordance with the present disclosure. The depicted example enclosure is an electrical equipment enclosure. The depicted example is specifically an explosion proof enclosure 10. Although the examples discussed herein refer to an explosion-proof enclosure 10, other types of non-explosion-proof enclosures (e.g., junction boxes, control panels, lighting panels, motor control centers, switch cabinets, relay cabinets) or any other type of enclosure (e.g., fire-proof enclosure) may be used.

The explosion proof housing 10 includes a cover section or cover 12 and a body section or body 14. The explosion proof housing 10 may be used to house active electrical components such as circuit breakers, motor starters, switches, relays, terminals and meters. The term "active" means in this context an electrical component that operates electronically within the flameproof housing 10. The explosion proof housing 10 may contain one or more control knobs 19 (e.g., indicator lights, switches) for controlling various features of the equipment housed therein. Plugs 21 of various sizes may be disposed on the flameproof housing 10 for receiving wiring for electrical components or for plugging unused holes in the flameproof housing 10.

Explosion proof housing 10 may also include a reducer 23 threaded on the inside and outside for reducing the size of the threads on electrical systems with smaller conduits. A vent and/or drain 25 may optionally be mounted on the explosion proof housing 10 to allow the product to breathe and/or to allow condensation/water to leave the housing 10 to maintain the explosion proof system.

The cover 12 and the body 14 may be made of materials, such as steel, cast iron, and the like, that may be mated together to form a joint or flame path therebetween. The flame path of the flameproof housing 10 prevents sparks or flames originating within the flameproof housing 10 from escaping into the hazardous environment. The housing helps to prevent an explosion or fire in which flammable gases or materials may be present.

The explosion proof housing 10 includes a cover peripheral flange 16 and a body peripheral flange 18. The cover peripheral flange 16 engages the body peripheral flange 18 when the explosion proof housing 10 is in the closed position. An optional sealing element, such as an O-ring, may be disposed in the groove adjacent the cap peripheral flange 16 for providing a gas-tight and water-tight seal between the cap 12 and the main body 14 when attached. This helps to ensure that if an explosion occurs within the explosion proof enclosure 10, it is more likely to be confined to the space within the explosion proof enclosure 10. Thus, the flame will not pass outside the flameproof housing 10 to ignite the explosive atmosphere outside the flameproof housing 10.

One or more hinges 20 may be positioned along one side of the cover 12 and a corresponding side of the body 14, but alternatives are possible. The example depicted shows two hinges 20, which are shown on one side of the cover 12 and the body 14. It should be appreciated that there may be no hinge 20 coupling the cover 12 to the body 14.

In order for the flameproof housing 10 to meet certain standards and requirements, the cover 12 must be secured to the body 14 within a certain tolerance. Typically, a number of bolts are used to secure the cover 12 to the body 14. Typically, this requires 30 or more bolts to be tightened around the explosion proof enclosure 10 to secure the cover 12 to the body 14. Thus, the attachment and detachment of all of the bolts is typically time consuming and cumbersome when attempting to secure the cover 12 to the main body 14 or remove it. Preferably, alternative methods are used to secure the cover 12 to the main body 14 to more easily allow a user to remove or attach the cover 12 from the main body 14. In accordance with the principles described in this disclosure, a clamp arrangement 11 is provided for securing a cover 12 to a body 14 of an explosion proof enclosure 10.

The gripper arrangement 11 comprises at least one gripper device 22. The clamp device 22 may provide sufficient force to create a gap or flame path between the cover 12 and the body 14 to enable the system to withstand an explosion. In the depicted example, the flameproof housing 10 includes a plurality of clamps or clamp devices 22 that provide a clamp arrangement 11 arranged around the perimeter of the cover and body

peripheral flanges

16, 18. In the depicted example, a total of four example clamp devices 22 are shown. The clamp device 22 is used to keep the cover 12 and body 14 closed in the event of an internal explosion.

When all of the clamp devices 22 are removed, the cover 12 may swing outwardly (i.e., an open position) from the body 14 about the hinge 20. In some examples without the hinge 20, the cover 12 may be separated from the body 14 when all of the clamp devices 22 are removed. The clamp device 22 is illustrated and described in more detail with reference to fig. 5 to 7.

Manipulation of the explosion proof housing can present various problems. The first problem is that the explosion proof enclosure is heavy (about 250-. Typically, moving the explosion proof enclosure requires some method of attaching the explosion proof enclosure to a crane or other type of auxiliary equipment.

A second problem is that the explosion proof enclosure is typically located in a corrosive environment for a long period of time. Thus, there may be a long period of time in a corrosive environment between the time the explosion proof enclosure is opened. Thus, it may be difficult to open the flameproof housing after a period of time. A steering assist arrangement has been developed to address both of these issues.

In accordance with the principles described, the flameproof housing 10 incorporates an advantageous housing manipulation assist arrangement 24 to facilitate moving the flameproof housing 10 to one position. The enclosure handling assist arrangement 24 may be used to safely lift the explosion proof enclosure 10 when closed. The lifting arrangement 24 may also be used to vertically mount the flameproof housing 10 to an external surface or support structure (e.g., wall, beam, column, etc.).

The enclosure handling assist arrangement 24 may also be used to safely open the explosion proof enclosure 10 in accordance with the principles described. As depicted, the enclosure handling assist arrangement 24 is shown mechanically coupled to the explosion proof enclosure 10, but alternatives are possible. The enclosure handling aid arrangement 24 may be mounted to the explosion proof enclosure 10 using one or more methods, including but not limited to fastening means and mating threads. The housing manipulation assistance arrangement 24 is illustrated and described in more detail below with reference to fig. 1, 2 and 11.

Typically, it is necessary to actuate the circuit breaker or reset a motor starter located within the body of the explosion proof enclosure without opening the cover of the explosion proof enclosure. Thus, the operating handle or mechanism is disposed outside of the flameproof housing. Certain example conventional flameproof housings use an operating mechanism on the cover of the flameproof housing to operate electrical components, such as circuit breakers or motor starters. This design may present a problem of aligning the operating mechanism with the circuit breaker handle or motor starter when the cover is in the closed position. Moreover, the operating mechanism may not be standardized to work with various components of different types and sizes (circuit breakers, disconnectors, different brands, etc.).

It is desirable to provide an operating mechanism for checking the proper operation of circuit breakers, motor starters, etc. when the cover is in the open position.

The example explosion proof enclosure 10 includes a control handle 26 mounted to one side of the explosion proof enclosure 10. The control handle 26 has an operating system contained only within the body 14 of the flameproof housing 10. Thus, the system can be checked to ensure proper operation of the electrical components housed within explosion proof enclosure 10 when cover 12 is open. In addition, the position of the control handle 26 allows it to work with a variety of components of different types and sizes (circuit breakers, disconnectors, different brands, etc.). The control handle 26 is illustrated and described in greater detail with reference to fig. 5 and 8.

It is often necessary to reset the motor starter without opening the cover of the flameproof housing. Thus, the operating handle or mechanism is disposed outside of the flameproof housing. Typically, a hook and loop type (rail type) mechanism is aligned to internally actuate a toggle type reset button on the motor starter. However, hook and loop type mechanisms are not suitable mechanisms for operating various types of non-toggle reset buttons.

It is desirable to have a reset handle that is accessible from the exterior of the explosion proof enclosure and connected inside the explosion proof enclosure 10 to properly operate the linearly actuated reset button of the electrical components (e.g., motor starter) housed within the main body 14 of the explosion proof enclosure.

In some examples, the control handle 26 and the reset handle 28 are mounted on the same side of the explosion proof housing 10. In other examples, control handle 26 and reset handle 28 are mounted on opposite sides of explosion proof housing 10. In still other examples, the explosion proof housing 10 may not include the reset handle 28. The reset handle 28 is illustrated and described in more detail with reference to fig. 11 through 13.

There is no particular requirement that the flameproof housing, components thereof or features thereof incorporate all of the specific features and/or variations characterized herein in order to obtain some advantages in accordance with the present disclosure.

A housing clamp arrangement for securing an example housing; FIGS. 1 to 7

The flameproof housing is used to contain electrical equipment in such an atmosphere that any flame or arc is contained within the flameproof housing. The flameproof housing is secured in a manner that manages the flame path.

A typical method of securing the flameproof housing is to use screws or bolts to secure the cover to the base of the flameproof housing. Typically, this requires 30 or more bolts to be screwed around the housing to secure the cover to the body and form the flame path. The number of bolts increases the inconvenience of using the explosion proof housing because the bolts need to be installed and then removed to perform inspection or work inside the explosion proof housing after installation.

Another method of sealing the enclosure is to use a latching clamp of the type characterized in U.S. patent nos. 8,777,535,9,221,587 and 8,844,749. In some of these types, bolts are required to lock the housing and cam mechanism to remove the clamp. Although the latching clip avoids multiple bolts, it has a complex assembly and design that is difficult to manufacture, which increases cost.

There is a need for improved fastening devices that are superior to the arrangements explained in, for example, U.S. patent nos. 8,777,535,9,221,587 and 8,844,749. The following describes an improved fastening device.

Referring to fig. 1-4, an example of an explosion proof enclosure 10 is depicted, including a cover section or cover 12 and a body section or body 14. The cover 12 includes a cover peripheral flange 16 positioned about the periphery of the cover 12. The body 14 includes a body peripheral flange 18 positioned about the periphery of the body 14. When the lid 12 and the body 14 are in a closed relationship, the lid peripheral flange 16 and the body peripheral flange 18 engage along (i.e., abut, mate with) the joint 94. The lid peripheral flange 16 and the body peripheral flange 18 each have a height or thickness, which may be the same or different from each other.

The body 14 defines a cavity 34 (e.g., a cavity) for receiving, for example, a circuit breaker, a motor starter, a switch, a relay, terminals, and a meter. Explosion proof housing 10 is shown "boltless" such that fastening means, such as bolts or screws, are not used to mechanically couple cover 12 directly to body 14, as in certain example conventional fastening mechanisms. In the depicted example, the explosion proof housing 10 includes a clamp arrangement 11 having a plurality of clamps or clamp devices 22 (e.g., clamp members) arranged around the periphery of the cover 12 and body 14. In the depicted example, a total of four clamp devices 22 are shown, but alternatives are possible. The clamp arrangement 11 may be used to secure the cover peripheral flange 16 and the body peripheral flange 18 together.

The clamp arrangement 22 is capable of providing a uniform force to provide a suitable gap or flame path between the cover 12 and the main body 14 of the explosion proof enclosure 10. The gap is configured to allow the passage of a flame, while the explosion proof enclosure 10 is able to withstand any pressure associated with an internal explosion. In some examples, the gap is about 0.0015 inches, and explosion proof housing 10 can withstand a hydrostatic pressure of about 560 pounds per square inch (psi).

In certain examples, the flameproof housing 10 may include one or more hinges 20 for hingedly coupling the cover 12 to the body 14. The hinge 20 may have any configuration, shape, and/or size. The hinge 20 allows the cover 12 to swing away from the body 14 along the hinge 20. Other devices, such as, but not limited to, one or more other tapping systems, some other fastening feature, or any combination thereof, may be used to provide the hinge. The closure 12 may be rotated about the hinge 20 to an open position to allow access into the body 14. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the hinge 20 may be positioned on either side of the flameproof housing arrangement 10.

It should be appreciated that there may be no hinge 20 coupling the cover 12 to the body 14 and that the cover 12 may be removably mounted to the body 14. For example, once the clamp arrangement 11 is removed from the cover 12, the cover 12 may be completely separated or removed from the body 14.

The cover 12 and the body 14 may be made of one or more of a variety of suitable materials, including metal (e.g., alloys, stainless steel), plastic, some other material, or any combination thereof. The cover 12 and the body 14 may be made of the same material or different materials. It should be appreciated that the explosion proof housing 10 may be manufactured in different sizes/cutouts to fit or conform to any of a variety of electrical components or devices.

Referring to fig. 5, the clamp arrangement 11 comprises at least one clamp device 22 comprising a clamping flange 17. An exploded view of one of the clamp devices 22 is depicted. The clamp device 22 is movable between an engaged position and a retracted position. The clamp device 22 may be made of one or more of a variety of suitable materials, including metals (e.g., alloys, die cast aluminum, stainless steel, and/or extruded steel), some other materials, or any combination thereof.

When in the engaged position, the clamp device 22 is arranged and adapted to be mounted on a first one of the cover 12 and the body 14 with the clamp flange 17 extending over a portion of a second one of the cover 12 and the body 14 at a position opposite the junction 94 between the cover peripheral flange 16 and the body peripheral flange 18 to apply the closing pressure. Alternatively, the clamp flange 17 may also extend over a portion of the second of the cover 12 and the body 14 at a location directly opposite the junction 94 between the cover peripheral flange 16 and the body peripheral flange 18. For example, the clamp flange 17 may overlap or extend over the engagement portion 94. When in the retracted position, the clamp device 22 may remain secured to the first of the cover 12 and the main body 14 in a manner that does not interfere with the opening of the cover 12 relative to the main body 14.

The clamp device 22 may be opposed clamp members, alternative arrangements being possible. For example, the clamp device 22 may be a fixed clamp member 38 that includes a first cover engaging clamp 40, an opposing second clamp 42, and a central portion 44 located between the first and

second clamps

40, 42 that collectively define a channel 46. Herein, the term "fixed clamp member" and variations thereof refer herein to the first cover engaging clamp 40 and the second clamp 42 not moving relative to each other when in use. That is, during operation of the clamp, the bite of the fixed clamp member 38 is neither open nor closed.

The first cap engagement jaw 40 extends outwardly from an upper end 48 of the central portion 44, and the second jaw 42 extends outwardly from a lower end 50 of the central portion 44. The first cover engaging jaw 40, the second jaw 42 and the central portion 44 may be integrally formed as a single piece, but alternatives are possible.

Referring to fig. 6-7, cross-sectional views of the clamp device 22 attached to the flameproof housing 10 are depicted. In one embodiment, explosion proof enclosure 10 includes a driver system 59 having a driver arrangement 52 (e.g., an actuator, threaded connection, nut, handle, bolt, screw, mechanical fastener) and an actuator member 66 (e.g., nut, mechanical fastener, stud, linear member, shaft).

The driver arrangement 52 may be mounted on the clamp device 22 and configured to move the clamp device 22 between the engaged position and the retracted position. The driver arrangement 52 may be a rotatable driver arrangement which, when rotated, is configured to linearly bias the clamp device 22 between the engaged and retracted positions, although alternatives are possible.

As used herein, the term "between … …" and variations thereof herein means that the clamp device 22 can be moved in a direction from the first-recited position toward the second position or the second-recited position toward either of the first positions. Further, in this context, unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "between … …" is not meant to necessarily indicate that the action is being performed entirely between the two noted positions. Thus, the characterized movement may be along a path between two of said positions, such that the movement is from the direction of one position towards the other position or from the direction of the other position towards one position.

In the depicted example, the driver arrangement 52 includes a bolt 51 with a bolt head 53 mounted adjacent an outer surface 55 of the clamp device 22, although alternatives are possible. The driver arrangement 52 may optionally include an interference member 72 (e.g., a snap ring) positioned to engage the bolt 51 and adjacent the inner surface 57 of the clamp device 22. When the driver arrangement 52 is retracted, the interference between the interference member and the inner surface of the clamp device 22 moves the clamp device 22. The interference member 72 may be made of any material suitable for high strength and wear resistance. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, stainless steel.

The driver arrangement 52 is adapted to be received in an opening 60 defined in the central portion 44 of the fixed clamp member 38. The driver arrangement 52 may be made of any material suitable for high strength and wear resistance. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, stainless steel. Driver arrangement 52 is rotatably coupled to body peripheral flange 18 of explosion proof housing 10.

In some examples, the mounting boss 62 may be integrally formed with the second clamp 42 of the fixed clamp member 38. The mounting boss 62 may have formed therein a drive receiver 43 which receives the drive arrangement 52 when in the engaged position. The mounting boss 62 may also be a separate element from the second clamp 42.

In the depicted example, a boss 62 is provided on each side of the body 14, where the clamp device 22 is shown. It should be appreciated that although four bosses 62 are provided, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to four, as the number of bosses 62 may be greater or less than four. The boss 62 serves two primary purposes. First, they provide structural support and reinforcement to the body 14. Second, the bosses 62 accommodate the clip device 22 and allow the body peripheral flange 18 to be thinner.

Each boss 62 may include a threaded opening 64 for receiving an actuator member 66. The actuator member 66 may be a fixed actuator stud, but alternatives are also possible. For example, actuator stud 66 may not be fixed.

The actuator member 66 may include a mechanical fastener, such as, but not limited to, a thumb screw, a machine screw, or a bolt, which may be coupled to the body 14 of the flameproof housing 10 or mounted to interface with the body 14 of the flameproof housing 10. The actuator member 66 contains replaceable wear surfaces, allowing it to be replaced once worn. The actuator member 66 may be made of any material suitable for high strength and wear resistance. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, stainless steel.

In the example shown, the actuator member 66 includes a threaded extension 61 on which the driver arrangement 52 is rotatably mounted such that the driver arrangement 52 rotates along the actuator member 66 to move the clamp device 22 between the retracted and engaged positions, alternatives are also possible. The movement of the gripper apparatus 22 may be a linear movement. In other examples, the clamp device 22 may move non-linearly between the retracted and engaged positions.

The actuator member 66 may be a non-threaded nut, shaft, or other mechanical member. In such an example, the driver arrangement 52 is mounted linearly such that the driver arrangement 52 moves along the actuator member 66 to move the clamp device 22 linearly between the retracted and engaged positions.

The first cover-engaging clamp 40 of the fixed clamp member 38 has an edge 41 distal from a central portion 44 of the fixed clamp member 38. The first cover engaging jaw 40 includes a tapered flange engaging surface 70 that tapers away from the second jaw 42 as it extends toward the edge 41 of the first cover engaging jaw 40. The first bonnet engagement clamp 40 may be configured to run along and engage an associated tapered portion 68 of the bonnet peripheral flange 16 when the clamp arrangement 22 is linearly moved from the retracted position to the engaged position.

While in the engaged position, the first cap engagement clamp 40 does not completely cover the associated tapered portion 68 of the cap peripheral flange 16, alternatives are possible. For example, when in the engaged position, the first bonnet engagement clamp 40 may cover the entire associated tapered portion 68 of the bonnet peripheral flange 16.

The first bonnet engagement clamp 40 continues to move thereon until the associated tapered portion 68 of the bonnet peripheral flange 16 prevents further linear movement of the clamp assembly 22. The first cover engagement jaw 40 and the second jaw 42 of the fixed jaw clamp member 38 remain fixed relative to each other as the clamp device 22 moves linearly between the engaged position and the retracted position.

In one example, when the driver arrangement 52 is moved in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), the driver arrangement 52 linearly biases the clamp device 22 from the retracted position toward the engaged position such that the channel 46 of the fixed clamp member 38 receives the cover peripheral flange 16 and the body peripheral flange 18 of the explosion proof enclosure 10 such that the cover 12 and the body 14 are in a closed relationship.

Conversely, when the rotatable driver arrangement 52 is rotated in an opposite second direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the rotatable driver arrangement 52 provides a pulling force to remove the clamp device 22 linearly from the engaged position toward the retracted position such that the first cover engaging clamp 40 is disengaged from the cover peripheral flange 16, but remains attached to the body peripheral flange 18.

The tapered flange engagement surface 70 of the first cover engagement jaw 40 may have an angle of at least 5 degrees, but may vary. Typically, the tapered flange engagement surface 70 of the first cover engagement jaw 40 has an angle of no more than 10 degrees, but may vary. Typically, the tapered flange engagement surface 70 of the first bonnet engagement clamp 40 has an angle in the range of 3 degrees to 8 degrees, inclusive.

The tapered flange engagement surface 70 of the first cover engagement jaw 40 has a first tapered length L₁(ii) a The term "first taper length" refers to the area of the first cap engagement jaw 40 that tapers away from the edge 41 of the central portion 44 toward the central portion 44.

The associated tapered portion 68 of the bonnet peripheral flange 16 has a second tapered length L₂(ii) a The term "second taper length" refers to the secondary tip80 rearwardly toward the narrowing region of the cover 12.

Length L₁Variations of (2) are possible. Generally, the length L of the tapered flange engagement surface 70 of the first cover engagement jaw 40₁Is the length L of the associated tapered portion 68 of the bonnet peripheral flange 16₂At least 40% of the total weight of the composition. Generally, the length L of the tapered flange engagement surface 70 of the first cover engagement jaw 40₁No greater than the length L of the associated tapered portion 68 of the bonnet peripheral flange 16₂At least 75%. Generally, the length L of the tapered flange engagement surface 70 of the first cover engagement jaw 40₁No greater than the length L of the associated tapered portion 68 of the bonnet peripheral flange 16₂50% of the total. The length L of the tapered flange engagement surface 70 of the first cover engagement jaw 40₁The length L of the associated tapered portion 68 relative to the bonnet peripheral flange 16₂Alternative ratios of (a) are possible.

Turning again to fig. 4-5, the example explosion proof enclosure 10 can include a guide system 71 that includes a guide arrangement 73 associated with the clamp device 22. The guide arrangement 73 may include guide members 74 (e.g., first and second guide members). Although two guide members 74 are depicted, any number of guide members 74 may be used. The guide member 74 is depicted as a stud, but alternatives are possible, such as, but not limited to, a shaft.

The guide member 74 may be mounted on the body 14 of the explosion proof enclosure 10 and the clamp arrangement 22 is moved between the engaged and retracted positions at this time. Each guide member 74 extends through a guide channel 76 (e.g., a slot channel) defined in the second jaw 42 of the fixed jaw clamp member 38 and may be mechanically attached to the body 14 of the explosion proof enclosure 10. In one example, the guide member 74 may be threadably mounted to the body 14, but alternatives are also possible. In another example, the guide member 74 may be welded to the body 14, but alternatives are also possible. In other examples, the guide member 74 may be adhesively secured to the body 14, although alternatives are possible.

The guide members 74 are located on opposite sides of the opening 60 defined by the clamp device 22, respectively. The guide members 74 may each include an end retraction stop arrangement 78 which, when in the retracted position, prevents the clamp device 22 from being separated from the body 14 of the explosion proof enclosure 10. In one example, the clamp device 22 is slidably mounted on the guide member 74 such that when the clamp device 22 is moved along the guide member 74 toward and away from the engagement 94, the clamp device 22 does not rotate but remains properly aligned with the body 14 of the explosion proof enclosure 10. It should be appreciated that the clamp device 22 may also rotate as it moves along the guide member 74 toward and away from the engagement portion 94, although alternatives are also possible.

In certain examples, the guide members 74 may be used to allow a user to easily clamp the cover 12 with the body 14 without having to manually hold the cover 12 against the body 14. For example, the guide members 74 allow the clamp device 22 to be removed from the bonnet peripheral flange 16 and provide access into the body 14 of the explosion proof enclosure 10 without having to separate the clamp device 22 from the body peripheral flange 18. When the clamp arrangement 22 is disengaged from the cover peripheral flange 16, the cover 12 may be pivoted about the hinge 20 to allow access into the flameproof housing arrangement 10.

The present disclosure also relates to a method of operating the flameproof housing 10. The method may comprise the steps of: the clamp device 22 of the clamp arrangement 11 is moved over a first one of the cover 12 and the main body 14 when in the engaged position, wherein the clamp flange 17 extends over a portion of a second one of the cover 12 and the main body 14 at a position opposite the junction 94 between the cover peripheral flange 16 and the main body peripheral flange 18 to apply the closing pressure. The step of moving the gripper assembly 22 includes moving the gripper assembly 22 from the engaged position to the retracted position. The clamp device 22 remains secured to the first of the cover 12 and the main body 14 in a manner that does not interfere with the opening of the cover 12 relative to the main body.

The step of moving the gripper apparatus 22 may comprise linearly moving the gripper apparatus 22, but alternatives are also possible. For example, the step of moving the clamp device 22 may include the step of the driver arrangement 52 mounted on the clamp device 22 moving the clamp device 22 between the engaged position and the retracted position. The step of moving the clamp device 22 may include the step of linearly moving the driver arrangement 52 to move the clamp device 22 between the engaged position and the retracted position.

The method may also include the steps of moving the clamp device 22 on the guide member 74 associated with the clamp device 22 between the engaged position and the retracted position, and utilizing the end retraction stop arrangement 78 to prevent separation of the clamp device 22 from the body 14 of the explosion proof enclosure 10 when in the retracted position. In other examples, the method may include the step of moving the plurality of gripper devices 22 between the engaged position and the retracted position.

From the foregoing detailed description, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

An example visual indicator for an example housing; FIGS. 8 and 9

The hazardous explosion proof enclosure needs to be opened carefully. In particular, the explosion-proof housing should not be opened while the electrical equipment located therein still has electronic activity, as sparks may cause an explosion. Therefore, in some cases, it is important to ensure that the electrical equipment is shut down before the enclosure is opened to avoid an explosion or fire.

Typically, an on/off control handle is mounted on the exterior of the explosion proof housing to accomplish this. When an electrical device is "on" or "off, a visual indicator is needed to notify the operator. Preferably, the visual indicator is positioned such that when the electrical device is "on", opening of the flameproof housing is inhibited until the control handle causes the electrical device to "off".

Referring to fig. 8 to 9, a portion of an example explosion proof enclosure 10 is shown. As previously described, explosion proof housing 10 includes a cover 12 and a body 14. The depicted explosion proof housing 10 includes a control handle 26 having a lever arm 112 with a distal end 114 and a proximal end 116. The control handle is shown mounted on the explosion proof housing 10 and is movable between a first rotational position and a second rotational position.

The closure arrangement 22a is shown mounted on the explosion proof housing 10. The clamp arrangement 11 is an example of a closing arrangement 22 a. Other examples of the closure arrangement 22a may include bolts and other clamp systems of the prior art. The closure arrangement 22a may be used to ensure that the flameproof housing arrangement 10 is closed, or to provide that the flameproof housing may be opened.

The example explosion proof housing 10 also includes an example visual indicator 188 that is shown mounted at the proximal end 116 of the control handle 26 by, for example, the mechanical fastener 110. It should be appreciated that the visual indicator 188 may be used on other explosion proof housings. In other examples, the visual indicator 188 may be mounted using alternative methods, such as, but not limited to, an adhesive. When the control handle 26 is in the first rotational position (see fig. 8), the visual indicator 188 inhibits access to the closure arrangement 22 a. When the control handle 26 is in the second rotational position (see fig. 9), the visual indicator 188 facilitates access to the closure arrangement 22 a.

The visual indicator 188 is an external visual of the user to show when the electrical components are powered on or off. Thus, the visual indicator 188 inhibits access to the closed arrangement 22a when the electrical components are opened, thereby protecting an operator from the live electrical elements within the explosion proof enclosure 10. Unlike the internal locking method, the visual indicator 188 has a distinct visual aspect that alerts and shows to the operator that the interior of the explosion proof enclosure 10 is energized. This design helps to eliminate confusion as to whether the inner lock is engaged or the cover is stuck.

For example, when the control handle 26 is rotationally positioned in a first rotational position, the electrical components are in a first operational configuration, typically "energized". When the control handle 26 is in the first rotational position, the visual indicator 188 may cover a portion of the closure arrangement 22a to prevent an operator from moving the closure arrangement 22a from the engaged position to the retracted position. When the control handle 26 is rotationally positioned in the second rotational position, the electrical components are in the second operational configuration, typically "off. When the control handle is moved toward the second rotational position, the visual indicator is removed from the portion of the closure arrangement 22a to facilitate access and allow an operator to move the housing arrangement 22a from the engaged position to the retracted position.

The visual indicator 188 may be used with the previously characterized clamp device 22. The visual indicator 188 may cover the driver arrangement 52 to physically block access to the clamp device 22. The visual indicator 188 provides a warning to the operator: the electrical components are energized and removal of the clamp device 22 may not be safe. It should be appreciated that the visual indicator 188 may have a length sufficient to cover at least a corner of the clamp device 22.

In some examples, the visual indicator 188 is a strap mounted for rotation with the control handle 26 of the explosion proof housing 10, although alternatives are possible. The visual indicator 188 may be formed from one or more of a variety of suitable materials, including metal (e.g., alloy, stainless steel), plastic, some other material, or any combination thereof.

The example visual indicator 188 has a length L that extends a distance to cover the driver arrangement 52₃But alternatives are also possible. It should be appreciated that the shape and size of the visual indicator 188 may vary as desired, for example, the length L of the visual indicator 188₃It may be shorter.

The explosion proof enclosure 10 may also include an example locking plate 170 for temporary attachment of the control handle 26 in a desired position between the first and second rotational positions. The example lock plate 170 includes a body 172 defining a plurality of apertures 174 adapted to secure the control handle 26.

The control handle 26 is generally pivotable between first and second ends of travel. In one example, the pivot of the control handle 26 is recessed within the body 14. Traditionally, electrical connections are made to the active electrical equipment inside the explosion proof enclosure 10 when the control handle 26 is at one end of travel (see fig. 8). The control handle 26 may be locked in this distal position by a fastener (now shown). The fastener may be inserted through both the opening 180 defined in the lever arm 112 of the control handle and the one aperture 174 of the locking plate 170 to be fastened therein.

When the control handle 26 is moved toward its other end of travel, the same electrical connection is broken. Likewise, the control handle 26 may be locked in this distal position by aligning a fastener through the opening 180 of the lever arm 112 and one of the apertures 174 of the locking plate 170. It should be appreciated that the control handle 26 may be locked at any position along the locking plate 170 as desired to control various types of active electrical components. In the depicted example, the flameproof housing 10 includes a label 182 (see FIG. 5) mounted to its body 14 by fasteners 184, indicating "on" and "off" positions. The control handle 26 travels between "on" and "off" positions for toggling the electrical components to corresponding "on" and "off" configurations.

The lock plate 170 includes end stops 186 at opposite ends of the terminal position. End stop 186 prevents over travel of control handle 26. The end stop 186 may be made of one or more of a variety of materials. Examples of such materials may include, but are not limited to, steel, rubber, and aluminum.

In the depicted example, the locking plate 170 includes a flange plate 176 to secure the locking plate 170 to the body 14 of the explosion proof enclosure 10 with fasteners 178. The flange plate 176 is an L-shaped flange. The flange plate 176 and the body 172 of the locking plate 170 may be integrally or monolithically formed elements, or separately formed elements that are joined together. The locking plate 170 may be made of one or more of a variety of materials. Examples of such materials may include, but are not limited to, steel, rubber, and aluminum.

The present disclosure also relates to a method of opening the flameproof housing 10. The method comprises the following steps: 1) a step of viewing the visual indicator 188 of the explosion proof enclosure arrangement, the visual indicator being positionable to block access to the closure arrangement 22a when the control handle 26 of the explosion proof enclosure 10 is in the first rotational position; 2) the step of displacing the control handle 26 from the first rotational position to the second rotational position to move the visual indicator 188 away from the closing arrangement 22a to facilitate entry into the closing arrangement prior to opening; and 3) a step of opening the explosion-proof housing 10.

In one example, the step of viewing the visual indicator 188 in the first rotational position is the step of viewing the on position, and the step of viewing the visual indicator 188 in the second rotational position is the step of viewing the off position. As previously mentioned, the step of inhibiting access includes preventing the closure arrangement 22a from moving between the engaged and retracted positions on the explosion proof enclosure 10. Further, the step of facilitating access includes permitting the closure arrangement 22a to move between an engaged position and a retracted position on the flameproof housing 10.

An example housing handling assistance arrangement for a housing; FIGS. 1 to 3

In some conventional hazardous enclosures containing covers and bodies, and enclosed equipment can be large and heavy for transfer or lifting, for example, they can typically be 250 to 300 pounds. Therefore, moving the enclosure requires a secure transfer and/or lifting mechanism. Typically, conventional hazardous enclosures include a single bracket centrally positioned on the enclosure body for lifting or moving the enclosure. One problem with this design is that if the bracket is not fully secured to the housing, failure may occur during transfer of the housing. Furthermore, if the bracket malfunctions when the housing is lifted, the cover of the housing may open and cause damage when not fastened to the housing main body.

Another problem is that sometimes opening the explosion proof enclosure may be difficult after it has been in a hazardous environment.

There is a need for improved transfer/lifting and opening of hazardous enclosures.

Turning again to fig. 1-3, an example explosion proof enclosure 10 is depicted. Explosion proof housing 10 has been previously characterized as comprising a cover 12 having a cover peripheral flange 16 and a body 14 having a body peripheral flange 18. The lid and body may be opened along the junction 94 between the lid peripheral flange 16 and the body peripheral flange 18. Explosion proof enclosure 10 may optionally include an example enclosure handling aid arrangement 24. It should be appreciated that the steering assist arrangement 24 may be used with other explosion proof enclosure arrangements. The example housing manipulation assistance arrangement 24 has a dependent closed assistance orientation and an open assistance orientation.

The example housing manipulation assistance arrangement 24 includes at least one hook and fastening arrangement 82; any number of housing manipulation assistance arrangements 24 are possible. In the depicted example, two hangers and fastening arrangements 82 are shown on opposite sides of the top of the flameproof housing 10. Such a configuration creates redundancy that improves safety while lifting the flameproof housing 10.

Each of the hook and fastening arrangements 82 comprises a hook member 84 and a detachable attachment arrangement 85. In the hanging closed assist orientation, the hook and fastening arrangement 82 may be used to mount the explosion proof enclosure 10 to one or more of a variety of surfaces and/or elements, including but not limited to walls, cabinets, concrete blocks, i-beams, and U-shaped brackets. The hook member 84 may be installed using one or more methods, including but not limited to welding, fastening devices, and mating threads.

The detachable attachment arrangement 85 includes a first detachable attachment member 86 and a second detachable attachment member 88. The first detachable attachment member 86 may be positioned on the lid peripheral flange 16 and the second detachable attachment member 88 may be positioned on the body peripheral flange 18. The first and second

detachable attachment members

86, 88 may be positioned adjacent to each other across a joint 94 between the bonnet peripheral flange 16 and the main body peripheral flange 18 and spaced apart from each other to form an explosion-proof joint therebetween.

Hook members 84 are secured to the two halves of the explosion proof housing 10 to help ensure that the cover 12 does not open or fall out during lifting or movement of the explosion proof housing 10.

In the hanging closed assist orientation, each of the hook and fastening arrangements 82 may be configured with a hook member 84 fastened on an engagement portion 94 by a first detachable attachment member 86 and a second detachable attachment member 88, and the hook member 84 is positioned across the lid peripheral flange 16 and the body peripheral flange 18. Cover 12 and body 14 of explosion proof enclosure 10 may be hingeably attached.

The first detachable attachment member 86 may be threaded to the bonnet peripheral flange 16 and the second detachable attachment member 88 may be threaded to the main body peripheral flange 18, but alternatives are also possible. The first and second

detachable attachment members

86, 88 are tightly threaded to the hanger member 84. Thus, although the first and second

detachable attachment members

86, 88 are driven to the respective lid peripheral flange 16 and body peripheral flange 18 by the hook members 84, no stress is exerted thereon to cause bending or twisting of the hook members 84.

In the opening assist orientation, hook members 84 have been removed from attachment with explosion proof enclosure 10. In the opening assist orientation, the first fastener (e.g., mechanical fastener) may be replaced in the lid peripheral flange 16 and the second fastener (e.g., mechanical fastener) may be replaced in the body peripheral flange 18. The first fastener may be a first detachable attachment member 86 and the second fastener may be a second detachable attachment member 88, but alternatives are also possible.

In accordance with the principles described herein, the first and second

detachable attachment members

86, 88 may be positioned such that the cover 12 and the main body 14 may be pried apart by prying the first and second

detachable attachment members

86, 88 apart. For example, the first and

second attachment members

86, 88 each include a head 96 that extends upwardly from the cap and body

peripheral flanges

16, 18 when connected thereto. It should be appreciated that other mechanical fasteners may be used to pry the cover 12 and body 14.

A pry point is safely formed outside the flame path on the top of the explosion proof enclosure 10 between the first attachment member 86 and the head 96 of the second attachment member 88. The pry points are easily accessible and can be safely pried open. In certain instances, the heads 96 of the first and

second attachment members

86, 88 may be leveraged by a user to safely pry into the flameproof housing 10 to open the stuck housing. In this way, the user does not have to jerk on the cover 12, causing violent movement and possible injury to the user. The user also does not need to pull something that is not designed to act as a pull point on the explosion proof enclosure 10. The first and

second attachment members

86, 88 may be replaced by the user if they bend or break over time.

In the depicted example, hanger member 84 is an angled bracket, but alternatives are possible. The hook member 84 is generally L-shaped having a vertical section 90 and a horizontal section 92, but alternatives are possible. The hook members 84 are typically cut from metal, such as, but not limited to, aluminum or standard steel, and are of a size sufficient to support a substantial load.

The hanger member 84 includes two holes drilled or cut in the horizontal section 92 of the hanger member 84 for receiving the first and second

detachable attachment members

86, 88, respectively. The first and second

detachable attachment members

86, 88 are arranged and configured to secure the hook member 84 to the lid peripheral flange 16 and the body peripheral flange 18, respectively.

The head 96 may be a nut. The head 96 of the first and

second attachment members

86, 88 may be shaped and/or configured to receive one or more of a plurality of tools that may be used to hold the head 96 in place and/or move (e.g., rotate). For example, the head 96 may be shaped as a hexagon (e.g., for receiving a socket or wrench) when viewed from above, although alternatives are possible. As another example, the head 96 may have a slot (e.g., for receiving a screwdriver), although alternatives are possible. As another example, the head 96 may include a protrusion from which two slotted wings extend laterally in opposite directions, as with a wing nut, although alternatives are also possible.

In the depicted example, the vertical sections 90 of the hook members 84 each define an opening 98 for receiving structural elements (e.g., a crane, etc.) that may be used to move the explosion proof enclosure 10.

The present disclosure also relates to an example method of positioning the explosion proof enclosure 10. The method comprises the following steps: 1) the step of lifting the explosion proof enclosure 10 by manipulating the auxiliary arrangement 24. The steering assist arrangement 24 has at least one hook and fastening arrangement 82. The at least one hook and fastening arrangement 82 includes a first hook member 84 and first and second

detachable attachment members

86, 88; 2) a step of removing the at least one hanger and the first hanger member 84 of the fastening arrangement 82; and 3) replacing the first and second

detachable connection members

86, 88 of the at least one hanger and fastening arrangement 82. The method may further include the step of prying the flameproof housing 10 away from each other by prying the first and second

releasable attachment members

86, 88 away from each other.

The other method comprises the following steps: 1) the step of lifting the explosion proof enclosure 10 by manipulating the auxiliary arrangement 24. The steering assist arrangement 24 has at least one hook and fastening arrangement 82. The at least one hook and fastening arrangement 82 includes a first hook member 84 and first and second

detachable attachment members

86, 88; 2) a step of removing the at least one hanger and the first hanger member 84 of the fastening arrangement 82; and 3) a step of placing the first and second fasteners. The method may further comprise the step of prying explosion proof enclosure 10 by prying the first and second fasteners away from one another. The first and second fasteners may be a first detachable attachment member 86 and a second detachable attachment member 88, respectively, of the at least one hook and fastening arrangement 82, but alternatives are also possible.

An example method according to the present disclosure includes: 1) the step of prying open the explosion proof enclosure 10 by prying a first detachable attachment member 86 attached to the cover 12 and a second detachable attachment member 88 attached to the main body 14. The step of prying the first and second

detachable attachment members

86, 88 includes the first and second

detachable attachment members

86, 88 being threaded bolts. It should be appreciated that the first and second

detachable attachment members

86, 88 may be used to pry other mechanical fasteners of the cover 12 and the main body 14.

V. an example control handle for the housing; FIGS. 5 and 10

As previously described, explosion proof housing 10 includes a cover 12 and a body 14. The body 14 defines a chamber 34 for receiving, for example, a circuit breaker, a motor starter, a switch, a relay, terminals, and/or a meter. An electrical component 36 may be mounted within the cavity 34 of the body 14. The electrical assembly may have a rotary switch device 106 configured to move about a first arc of rotational motion between a first operational configuration and a second operational configuration. In the depicted example, the first operating configuration may be a power-on configuration and the second operating configuration may be a power-off configuration, although alternatives are also possible.

As used herein, in this context, the term "between … …" and variations thereof means that the rotary switching device 106 can be moved in a direction from the first noted position toward the second position or the second noted position toward either of the first positions. Furthermore, in this context, unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "between … …" is not meant to necessarily indicate that the movement is entirely between the two noted positions. Thus, the characterized movement may be along a path between two of said positions, such that the movement is from the direction of one position towards the other position or from the direction of the other position towards one position.

Turning again to fig. 5, an exploded view of an example control handle 26 is shown external to explosion proof enclosure 10. The control handle 26 may be mounted on the exterior of the body 14 of the flameproof housing 10. The depicted control handle 26 does not require any components to be machined or attached on or within the cover 12. Since the control handle 26 is mounted externally, more open space is provided in the flameproof housing 10 for wiring and mounting. This design allows the use of a rotary disconnector instead of a toggle-operated disconnector.

The control handle 26 may be configured to move about a second arc of rotational motion between a first rotational position and a second rotational position. The first rotational position may be an on position that causes the rotary switching device 106 (see fig. 10) to be in the energized configuration, and the second rotational position may be an off position that causes the rotary switching device 106 to be in the de-energized configuration.

As used herein, in this context, the term "between … …" and variations thereof means that the control handle 26 can be moved in a direction from the first-recited position toward the second position or the second-recited position toward either of the first positions. Furthermore, in this context, unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "between … …" is not meant to necessarily indicate that the movement is entirely between the two noted positions. Thus, the characterized movement may be along a path between two of said positions, such that the movement is from the direction of one position towards the other position or from the direction of the other position towards one position.

The explosion proof housing arrangement 10 may include an offset dead end shaft linkage arrangement 130 that connects the control handle 26 to the rotary switch device 106.

The first arc of rotational movement may be larger than the second arc of rotational movement, but alternatives are also possible. The first arc of rotational movement may be smaller than the second arc of rotational movement, but alternatives are also possible. For example, the first arc of rotational movement may be equal to the second arc of rotational movement, but alternatives are also possible.

Referring to fig. 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, an example increased rotation mechanical link arrangement 130 is depicted. Example enlarged rotating mechanical link arrangement 130 may be positioned within cavity 34 of body 14 of explosion proof housing 10 adjacent electrical component 36.

As used herein, the term "increased rotation mechanical linkage arrangement" is defined as an arrangement when rotated by something (e.g., control handle or lever 26) at a first end at a first mount, at an opposite second end, which rotates anything engaged therewith (e.g., rotary switch device 106) a second, greater amount.

Although a mechanical linkage arrangement 130 that increases rotation is described herein, other mechanical linkage arrangements may be used that may provide a rotation at one end that is less than or equal to the rotation of the other end.

An increased rotation mechanical linkage arrangement 130 is connected to the control handle 26 and the rotary switch device 106 to translate the angular movement outward about the second arc of rotational movement into the angular movement inward about the first arc of rotational movement.

The control handle 26 is mechanically coupled to the rotatable elongate shaft arrangement 108 by a mechanical fastener 110, including but not limited to a bolt (which may be coupled with a nut) or a screw (which may be coupled with a nut). The elongate shaft arrangement 108 may rotate through a second arc of rotational motion as the control handle 26.

An example increased rotation mechanical link arrangement 130 includes a handle link 132, a switch link 136, and a translation link 134 located between the handle link 32 and the switch link 136. The increased rotation mechanical link arrangement 130 is configured such that when the control handle 26 is in the off position, the switch link 136 guides from a portion of the translating link 134 and forms an acute angle with the translating link 134 as it extends toward the handle link 132, although alternatives are also possible. In the on position, the switch link 136 is angled outwardly away from the handle link 132, but alternatives are possible. Fig. 10C shows the handle link 132, switch link 136, and translating link 134 in a single plane.

In one example, the angle θ between the handle link 132 and the translating link 134 when the control handle 26 is in the second, off-set rotational position₁Greater than 90 degrees and the angle θ between the switch link 136 and the translation link 134₂Less than 90 degrees. In other examples, the angle θ between the handle link 132 and the translation link 134 when the control handle 26 is in the second, off-set rotational position₁Is obtuse and the angle theta between the switch link 136 and the translation link 134₂Is acute.

The angle θ between the handle link 132 and the translation link 134 when the control handle 26 is in the on first rotational position₁Less than 90 degrees and an angle θ between the switch link 136 and the translation link 134₂Greater than 90 degrees. In other examples, the angle θ between the handle link 132 and the translation link 134 when the control handle 26 is in the on first rotational position₁Is acute and the angle theta between the switch link 136 and the translation link 134₂Is an obtuse angle.

The handle link 132 is mounted on the elongate shaft arrangement 108 to rotate through a second arc of rotational motion as the elongate shaft arrangement 108 and the control handle 26 move when the control handle 26 is moved. The switch link 136 is mounted on the rotary switching device 106 for rotation through a first arc of rotational movement to move the rotary switching device 106 between the first and second operating configurations upon rotation of the control handle 26. In the depicted example, since the switch link 136 has a shorter length than the handle link 132, the first and second arcs of rotational movement of the respective switch link 136 and handle link 132 are different. In one example, the length of the switch link 136 is no more than 60% of the handle link 132 and no more than 40% of the translation link 134, although alternatives are possible.

The handle link 132 has a first end 138 and a second end 140. The translating link 134 has a first end 142 and a second end 144. The switch link 136 has a first end 146 and a second end 148. The first end 138 of the handle link 132 is non-pivotably attached to the shaft 108 through an opening 150 defined at the first end 138 of the handle link 132. A fastener 152 is positioned on the elongate shaft 108 to secure the handle link 132 thereto within the chamber 34 of the body 14. The second end 140 of the handle link 132 is pivotally attached at its first end 142 to the translating link 134 by a fastener 154 (e.g., a pivot pin, etc.), which is shown coupled with a nut 156. The second end 144 of the translating link 134 is pivotally attached at its second end 148 to the switch link 136 by a fastener 154 and a nut 156. The location of the pivotal attachment of the second end 144 of the translation link 134 and the second end 148 of the switch link 136 may vary with different types of devices as desired. For example, the translating link 134 defines a plurality of openings 135 for connection with the switch link 136.

Typically, the second arc of rotational motion moves through an angle of no more than 60 degrees. Typically, the second arc of rotational motion moves through an angle of no more than 50 degrees. Typically, the second arc of rotational movement is no more than 60% of the first arc of rotational movement. Typically, the first arc of rotational motion moves through an angle of at least 70 degrees. Typically, the first arc of rotational motion moves through an angle of at least 90 degrees.

The control handle 26 includes a tubular member 118. The proximal end 116 of the lever arm 112 of the control handle 26 is attached to a tubular member 118. Lever arm 112 and tubular member 118 may be integrally or monolithically formed elements, or separately formed elements that are coupled together.

The elongate shaft 108 may include a first portion 120 that may define a notch 122 formed in a perimeter thereof and a second portion 124 that may be adjacent the first portion 120, and the second portion 124 may have a relatively flat, generally rectangular head. The tubular member 118 defines an insertion opening 126 for receiving the first portion 120 of the elongate shaft 108.

The second portion 124 of the elongate shaft 108 is received within a through-hole (not shown) in the body 14 of the explosion proof housing 10 and is free to rotate therein. A threaded bearing 128 is shown mounted on the second portion 124 of the shaft 108 for rotatably supporting the control handle 26 and the elongate shaft 108. The threaded bearing 128 is threaded into the opening of the body 14 to secure the elongate shaft 108 to the body 14 of the explosion proof housing 10.

Explosion proof housing 10 may include a drive stud 158 pivotally attached to an increased rotation mechanical linkage arrangement 130. The drive stud 158 is engageable with the rotary switch device 106 to rotatably pivot between the first and second operating configurations.

Drive stud 158 includes a distal end 160 and a proximal end 162. The distal end 160 of drive stud 158 comprises a flat rectangular head, and the proximal end 162 of drive stud 158 comprises a generally square head. It should be appreciated that the drive stud 158 may be configured with other geometries as desired to work with various types of electrical components.

In the depicted example, the first end 146 of the switch link 136 is pivotably coupled with the drive stud 158. The distal end 160 of the drive stud 158 is configured to be received within an opening 164 defined in the switch link 136 at the first end 146 thereof such that the drive stud 158 is pivotably connected to the switch link 136. The proximal end 162 of the drive stud 158 is arranged and configured to engage the rotary switch device 106 of the rotary disconnect 36 to pivotably couple the drive stud 158 with the rotary disconnect 36.

A drive stud stop 166 (see fig. 5) may be positioned on the plate 100 of the rotary disconnect 36 adjacent the electrical component 36 to prevent the drive stud 158 from disengaging from the rotary switching device 106. The drive stud stop 166 may help ensure proper and consistent operation of the rotary disconnect 36. A spacer 168 is located between the disconnect link 136 and the drive stud stop 166 to maintain a tight fit therebetween.

In use, the control handle 26 and the actuation link 130 are coupled to the elongate shaft 108 such that they both maintain motion relative to each other. The lever arm 112 of the control handle 26 is rotatable between a first rotational position and a second rotational position. Typically, the first rotational position is an "on position" and the second rotational position is an "off position", but alternatives are also possible.

The lever arm 112 of the control handle 26 rotates about a second arc of rotational motion between the first and second rotational positions. Typically, the second arc of rotational motion travels at least 20 °. Typically, the first angle of movement does not exceed 60 °. Typically, the second arc of rotational motion is in the range of 10 ° to 50 °, but alternatives are also possible. The amount of rotation of the control handle 26 allows the control handle 26 to be externally mounted in a position adjacent the main body 14 without interfering with the clamp device 22 located adjacent the control handle 26.

Typically, the first arc of rotational motion is in the range of 10 degrees to 80 degrees, but alternatives are also possible. Typically, the first arc of rotational movement is at least 60 degrees. Typically, the first arc of rotational movement does not exceed about 90 degrees. It should be appreciated that any number of angles may be used.

The explosion proof housing 10 may include an offset end shaft link arrangement 130 that pivots about a first axis of rotation 131 (see fig. 10) between first and second rotational positions.

As used herein, the term "offset end shaft link arrangement" means that the first axis of rotation at one end is offset or non-collinear with the second axis of rotation at the other end. The rotary switch device 106 is pivotable about a second axis of rotation 133 (see fig. 10) between the first and second operating configurations. The first axis of rotation is offset from the second axis of rotation.

The present disclosure also relates to example methods of operating the electrical assembly 36 within the flameproof housing 10. The electrical assembly 36 includes a rotatable switching device 106. The method comprises the following steps: 1) rotating the control handle 26 outside the explosion-proof housing 10 through a first arc of rotational movement while rotating the rotatable switching device 106 through a second arc of rotational movement; the first arc of rotational movement is less than the second arc of rotational movement.

A reset controller located externally on the housing; FIGS. 11 to 13

In some example conventional flameproof housings, the reset switch for the electrical components positioned within the flameproof housing is a toggle switch. A toggle switch is a switch that uses a toggle joint with a spring to open or close a circuit because the attachment bar is pushed through a small arc. Hook and loop type linkages have been used to transfer the motion of the reset button from the outside to the movement of the toggle switch.

Other types of devices have a vertically depressed reset switch to cause the resetting of the active electrical components. Hook and loop type linkages that have been used with toggle switches are not suitable for this arrangement.

There is a need for an improved operating reset button inside the housing.

Referring to FIG. 11, a second embodiment of an explosion proof enclosure 10a is depicted. The second embodiment of the explosion proof housing 10a has a similar design or construction to the first embodiment of the explosion proof housing 10 shown in figures 1 to 4. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, only those portions of this embodiment discussed above that differ from the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1-4 will be described in detail.

Explosion proof housing 10a includes a cover 12 and a body 14. The body 14 defines a chamber 34 for receiving, for example, a circuit breaker, a motor starter, a switch, a relay, terminals, and a meter. An active electrical component 36 may be mounted within the cavity 34 of the body 14. In the depicted example, a motor starter 192 is shown installed therein. It should be appreciated that other active electrical components may be used. The motor starter 192 has a non-toggle linearly actuated switch button 222 configured to move linearly between a first configuration and a second configuration. A non-toggle linearly actuated switch button is defined as a non-pivoting lever that is pivotable between two or more positions. In the examples described below, the non-toggle linearly actuated switch button is described as a non-toggle linearly actuated reset button 222 configured to move linearly between a reset configuration and a non-reset configuration. It will be appreciated that the non-toggle linearly actuated switch button may be a button for other purposes. For example, a non-toggling linearly actuated switch button may be used for operation, such as "on" and "off" configurations, with alternatives also being possible.

The example explosion proof enclosure 10a includes a rotationally operated switch actuator arrangement mounted externally of the main body 14 of the explosion proof enclosure 10 a. In the examples described below, the rotationally operated switch actuator arrangement is described as a rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement 28, but alternatives are also possible. For example, a rotationally operated switch actuator arrangement may be an arrangement for other purposes, such as operating "on" and "off switches, but alternatives are also possible. The rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement 28 may be configured to move about an arc of rotational motion between a first rotational position and a second rotational position upon actuation. The first rotational position causes the non-toggle linearly actuated reset button 222 to be in the reset configuration and the second rotational position causes the non-toggle linearly actuated reset button 222 to be in the non-reset configuration.

The example explosion proof enclosure 10a also includes a rotary-to-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement 190 positioned within the chamber 34 of the body 14 adjacent to the electrical components 36 or the motor starter 192. The rotary-to-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement 190 is arranged and configured to transfer rotational motion from the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement 28 to linear motion of the non-toggle linearly actuated reset button 222. It should be appreciated that the rotary-to-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement 190 may be generally used with linear switches, where the reset button is one type, but may be used with alternative switches and various active electrical components.

The rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement 28 may be mechanically coupled to the elongate shaft arrangement 194 such that the elongate shaft arrangement 194 rotates through an arc of rotational motion, as with the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement 28.

In the depicted example, the rotary-to-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement 190 includes an inner biasing member 210 mounted on the elongate shaft arrangement 194 to linearly pivot as the elongate shaft arrangement 194 and the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement 28 move rotationally about an arc of rotational motion.

The internal biasing member 210 further comprises a contact member 220 configured to press a non-toggle linearly actuated reset button 222 to a reset configuration when the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement 28 is in the first rotational position. The contact member 220 may be sized with various dimensions to provide flexibility in covering different sized or different positioned reset buttons within the chamber 34 of the explosion proof housing 10 a.

The example explosion proof enclosure 10a may include a spring biased actuator reset to a non-reset return arrangement. The example spring-biased actuator return to a non-return arrangement is the spring-biased member 212, but alternatives are also possible. In use, the non-toggling linearly actuated reset button 222 automatically returns to the non-reset configuration by spring action once the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement 28 is released to the first rotational position.

A rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement 28 may be mounted below the clamp device 22, but alternatives are also possible. The rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement 28 is connected to the interior of the explosion proof housing 10a by a rotary-to-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement 190 according to the present disclosure to overcome the disadvantages of the hook and loop type mechanism. In one example, the rotary-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement 190 extends through a wall of the body 14 and is positioned within the cavity 34 thereof.

Referring to fig. 12 to 13, an exploded view of a rotary-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement 190 is shown. The rotary-to-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement 190 includes an elongate shaft arrangement 194 having a first end 196 and a second end 198. An elongate shaft arrangement 194 extends through one side of the body 14 of the explosion proof housing 10a into the chamber 34 thereof. The first end 196 of the elongate shaft arrangement 194 has a smaller diameter than the elongate shaft arrangement 194 and is configured to engage an opening 200 defined in the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement 28. Thus, the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement 28 may be connected to the elongate shaft arrangement 194. The first end 196 defines an aperture 202 therethrough that is adapted to receive a fastener 204 (e.g., a pin, bolt, screw, etc.) to secure the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement 28 to the elongate shaft arrangement 194.

The second end 198 of the elongate shaft arrangement 194 includes a notch 206 that provides a generally rectangular end to the second end 198, although alternatives are possible. A threaded sleeve 208 is mounted on the elongate shaft arrangement 194 and is threaded into the side of the main body 14 of the explosion proof housing 10 a. A threaded sleeve 208 is secured in the body 14, allowing the elongate shaft arrangement 194 to pivot thereabout.

Spring biasing member 212 is positioned between inner biasing member 210 and plate 100 through connection point 211. In other examples, the spring biasing member 212 may be positioned between the inner biasing member 210 and some other adjacent connection, such as, but not limited to, a bracket, a spring anchor, and the like. The spring biasing member 212 is fastened to the plate 100 by fasteners 213. The fastener 213 may be a threaded bolt, but alternatives are also possible.

The depicted inner biasing member 210 includes

apertures

214, 216 for receiving the second end 198 of the elongate shaft 194. The

apertures

214, 216 of the internal biasing member 210 have a generally rectangular opening that corresponds to the generally rectangular shape of the second end 198 of the elongate shaft arrangement 194. The fastener 152 is positioned on the elongate shaft arrangement 194 to secure the rotary-to-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement 190 thereto within the chamber 34 of the body 14. The elongate shaft arrangement 194 can be received in

apertures

214, 216 as desired to control the various active electrical components positioned inside the explosion proof housing 10 a. Thus, the rotary-to-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement 190 has operational flexibility to work with the various components inside the flameproof housing 10 a.

The present disclosure also relates to a method of operating an active electrical assembly within an explosion-proof housing arrangement. The active electrical components may include a non-toggle linearly actuated reset button 222. The method comprises the following steps: 1) the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement 28 external to the flameproof housing 10a is caused to rotate about an arc of rotational motion between a first rotational position and a second rotational position while allowing linear actuation of the non-toggle linearly actuated reset button 222 into a reset configuration. The step of rotating the rotary reset actuator arrangement 28 to the first rotational position allows the non-toggling linearly actuated reset button 222 to be in a reset configuration. The step of rotating the reset actuator arrangement 28 to the second rotational position allows the non-toggling linearly actuated reset button 222 to be in a non-reset configuration.

In the depicted example, the junction box 224 is shown mounted on the plate 100 adjacent to the starter 192 by fasteners 226 (screws, bolts, etc.) including washers 228. The junction box may be made of a thermoplastic material and manufactured by an injection molding process. A typical use of the junction box is between a programmable controller and a device to be controlled. Another use is for ground fault equipment. The number of studs required in a junction box can vary widely depending on the application. For example, some applications require junction boxes having up to 20 individual termination points. The splice lead block 230 is also mounted to the board 100 by fasteners 226.

Vii, a replacement shell; FIGS. 14 to 16

Referring to fig. 14-16, an alternative example explosion proof enclosure 10b is depicted. The explosion proof housing 10b indicates how the features of the control handle 26b of the foregoing example explosion proof housing 10 can be used on an assembly that also includes a rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement 28b of the foregoing example explosion proof housing 10. The same reference numerals are used to indicate similar parts to those previously described.

The example explosion proof enclosure 10b includes a clamp arrangement 11 having a plurality of clamps or clamp devices 22 (e.g., clamp members) arranged around the perimeter of the cover 12 and body 14 of the explosion proof enclosure 10 b. Features of the clamp device 22 are similar to those previously described, and like numerals are used to indicate similar parts.

The example flameproof housing 10b includes one or more hinges 20 for hingedly coupling the cover 12b to the body 14 b. The cover 12b includes a cover flange 16b positioned about the periphery of the cover 12 b. The cover 12b fits over (i.e., abuts) a body flange 18b positioned around the perimeter of the body 14 b. The features of the lid 12b and lid peripheral flange 12b and the body 14b and body peripheral flange 18b are similar to those previously described, and like numerals are used to indicate similar parts.

The depicted flameproof housing 10b includes a control handle 26b mounted on the exterior thereof. Control handle 26b is configured to be moved externally to explosion proof housing 10b to control active electrical components 36b located within chamber 34 of body 14 b. The control handle 26b can be rotated about the elongate shaft 108 between a first rotational position and a second rotational position. It should be appreciated that a visual indicator (not shown) may be mounted on the control handle 26 b. The features of the control handle 26b and visual indicator are similar to those previously described, and the same numbers are used to indicate similar parts.

The example explosion proof enclosure 10b may include an enclosure handling aid arrangement 24 b. The steering assist arrangement 24b comprises a hook and fastening arrangement 82 b. The features of the steering assistance arrangement 24b are similar to those previously described, and like numerals are used to indicate similar parts.

The example explosion proof enclosure 10b may include an example increased rotation mechanical link arrangement 130b and an offset end shaft link arrangement 130b arranged and configured to connect with the control handle 26b to rotate the rotary switch device 106 of the active electrical component 36b located within the chamber 34 of the body 14 b. The features of the increased rotation mechanical link arrangement 130b and offset end shaft link arrangement 130b are similar to those previously described, and like numerals are used to indicate similar parts.

The example explosion proof enclosure 10b may include active electrical components mounted therein having a non-toggle linearly actuated reset button 222 configured to move linearly between a reset configuration and a non-reset configuration. A rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement 28b may be mounted externally of the explosion proof housing 10 b. The features of the non-toggling linearly actuated reset button 222 and the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement 28b are similar to those previously described, and like numerals are used to indicate similar parts.

In the depicted example, the junction box 224 is shown mounted on the plate 100b by fasteners 226 (screws, bolts, etc.) including washers 228. The junction box 224 may be made of a thermoplastic material and manufactured by an injection molding process. A typical use of the junction box is between a programmable controller and a device to be controlled. Another use is for ground fault equipment. The number of studs required in a junction box can vary widely depending on the application. For example, some applications require junction boxes having up to 20 individual termination points. Also shown is a splice wire block 230 mounted to the board 100b by fasteners 226.

Some general observations

Aspects and techniques of the present disclosure relate generally to enclosures, but are particularly suited for explosion-proof enclosures. It should be appreciated that aspects and techniques of the present disclosure may be applied in other applications.

The present disclosure relates to various concepts that may each be associated together. An advantageous housing clamp arrangement may be implemented with one or more of the following: a visual indicator, a housing manipulation assistance arrangement; a control handle; and a reset controller, or it may be implemented separately as desired.

Advantageous visual indicators may be implemented with one or more of the following: a housing clamp arrangement, a housing manipulation assistance arrangement; a control handle; and a reset controller, or it may be implemented separately as desired.

Advantageous housing handling assistance arrangements may be implemented with one or more of the following: a housing clamp arrangement; a visual indicator, a control handle; and a reset controller, or it may be implemented separately as desired.

Advantageous control handles may be implemented with one or more of the following: a housing clamp arrangement, a visual indicator, a housing manipulation assistance arrangement; and a reset controller, or it may be implemented separately as desired.

Advantageous reset controllers may be implemented with one or more of the following: a housing clamp arrangement; a housing manipulation assistance arrangement; visual indicators, and control handles, or may be implemented separately as desired.

Herein, in the context of the features of the claims in the following section entitled "claims," the phrase "in accordance with at least one of … …" means that one of any selected claim can be used and that not all details of all claims must be used.

IX. some selected characteristics

The following features are indicative of features and techniques in accordance with the present disclosure, which relate to: a housing fastening arrangement; a visual indicator; a housing manipulation assistance arrangement; a control handle; and a reset controller. In this summary, some selected summary features of the teachings herein are provided. The list of features is not exhaustive. 1. A housing arrangement characterized by: a housing having a cover and a body, the cover having a cover peripheral flange and the body having a body peripheral flange: the lid peripheral flange and the body peripheral flange being joined along a joint when the lid and body are in a closed relationship; and a clamp arrangement configured to secure the cover peripheral flange and the body peripheral flange together; the clamp arrangement comprises at least: a first clamp member including a clamp flange, the first clamp member being movable between an engaged position and a retracted position; the first clamp member is mounted on a first one of the cover and body when in the engaged position, wherein the clamp flange extends over a portion of a second one of the cover and body at a location opposite the junction between the cover peripheral flange and the body peripheral flange to apply a closing pressure; and the first clamp member remains secured to the first one of the cover and body when in the retracted position in a manner that does not prevent the cover from opening relative to the body. 2. The housing arrangement of feature 1, wherein: the clamp flange extends over a portion of the second one of the cover and body at a location directly opposite the junction between the cover and body peripheral flange. 3. The housing arrangement of features 1-2, wherein: the housing is an electrical housing enclosing an operating electrical device. 4. The housing arrangement of features 1-3, wherein: the shell is an explosion-proof shell. 5. The housing arrangement of features 1-4, wherein: the first clamp member is an opposing jaw clamp member. 6. The housing arrangement of features 1-5, wherein: the first clamp member is a fixed jaw clamp member. 7. The housing arrangement of features 1-6, wherein: the first clamp member is linearly movable between the engaged position and the retracted position. 8. The housing arrangement of features 1-7, further comprising: a first rotatable driver arrangement mounted on the first clamp member and configured, when rotated, to linearly bias the first clamp member between the engaged and retracted positions. 9. The housing arrangement of feature 8, wherein the first rotatable driver arrangement comprises: an actuator mounted adjacent an outer surface of the first clamp member; and an interference member positioned to engage with the actuator, the interference member positioned adjacent an inner surface of the first clamp member such that when the first rotatable drive arrangement is retracted, interference between the interference member and the inner surface of the first clamp member causes the first clamp member to move. 10. The housing arrangement of features 1 to 9, wherein: the clamp member includes a first cover-engaging jaw, an opposing second jaw, and a central portion positioned between the first and second jaws. 11. The housing arrangement of feature 10, wherein: the first cover engaging jaw having an edge distal from the central portion of the clamp member, the first cover engaging jaw having a tapered flange engaging surface that tapers away from the second jaw as it extends toward the edge of the first cover engaging jaw; and the first cap-engaging clamp is configured to follow and engage a first associated tapered portion of the cap peripheral flange when the first clamp member is moved from the retracted position to the engaged position. 12. The housing arrangement of features 1-11, further comprising: a guide system including a first guide arrangement associated with the first clamp member, the guide system comprising: first and second guide members mounted on the body and moving the first clamp member between the retracted and engaged positions; and an end retraction stop arrangement preventing the first clamp member from being spaced apart from the body of the housing when in the retracted position. 13. The housing arrangement of feature 12, wherein: the first clamp member is slidably mounted on the first and second guide members such that the first clamp member does not rotate as the first clamp member moves along the first and second guide members toward and away from the engagement portion. 14. The housing arrangement of features 12 to 13, wherein: each of the first and second guide members extends through the second clamp and is mounted to the body of the housing. 15. The housing arrangement of features 1-14, further comprising: a mounting boss integrally formed with the second jaw of the clamp member, the mounting boss having formed therein a drive receiver that receives the first rotatable drive arrangement when in the engaged position. 16. The housing arrangement of features 1-15, further comprising: a first actuator member mounted on the body of the housing; the first actuator member has an extension on which the first rotatable driver arrangement is mounted such that the first rotatable driver arrangement moves along the actuator member to move the first clamp member between the retracted and engaged positions. 17. The housing arrangement of features 10 to 11, wherein: the associated tapered portion of the bonnet peripheral flange is configured such that, when in the engaged position, the first bonnet engagement clamp does not completely cover the associated tapered portion of the bonnet peripheral flange. 18. The housing arrangement of features 1-17, wherein: the clamp arrangement includes at least the first and second clamp members, each of which is movable between engaged and retracted positions, respectively. 19. The housing arrangement of features 1-18, further comprising: a driver arrangement mounted on each of the first and second clamp members and configured to bias the first and second clamp members between the engaged and retracted positions, respectively. 20. The housing arrangement of features 1 to 19, wherein each driver arrangement comprises: an actuator mounted adjacent an outer surface of each of the first and second clamp members; and an interference member positioned in engagement with each actuator, the interference member being positioned adjacent an inner surface of the respective first and second clamp members such that when each driver arrangement is retracted, interference between the interference member and the inner surface of each of the first and second clamp members causes the first and second clamp members to move. 21. The housing arrangement of features 1-20, wherein: each clamp member includes a first cover-engaging jaw, an opposing second jaw, and a central portion positioned between the first and second jaws. 22. The housing arrangement of feature 21, wherein: each first cover engaging jaw having an edge distal from the central portion of the clamp member, each first cover engaging jaw having a tapered flange engaging surface that tapers away from the second jaw as it extends toward the edge of the first cover engaging jaw; and each first bonnet engagement jaw is configured to follow and engage an associated tapered portion of the bonnet peripheral flange when the first and second clamp members are moved from the retracted position to the engaged position. 23. The housing arrangement of feature 12, wherein: a guide system includes the first and second guide arrangements associated with the first and second clamp members, respectively, the first and second clamp members including: first and second guide members mounted on the body and with the first and second clamp members respectively moving between the retracted and engaged positions; and first and second end retraction stop arrangements respectively preventing the first and second clamp members from being spaced apart from the main body of the housing when in the retracted position. 24. The housing arrangement of feature 23, wherein: each of the first and second clamp members is slidably mounted on the first and second guide members, respectively, such that the first and second clamp members do not rotate as each of the first and second clamp members moves along the first and second guide members toward and away from the engagement portion. 25. The housing arrangement of features 18-24, further comprising: an actuator member associated with the first and second clamp members and mounted on the body of the housing; the actuator member has an extension on which each driver arrangement is mounted such that each driver arrangement moves along the actuator member to move the first and second clamp members between the retracted and engaged positions, respectively. 26. The housing arrangement of features 21-25, wherein: the associated tapered portion of the bonnet peripheral flange is configured such that, in the engaged position, each first bonnet engagement jaw does not completely cover the associated tapered portion of the bonnet peripheral flange. 27. A method of operating an explosion proof enclosure arrangement, said explosion proof enclosure arrangement characterized by: a cover and a body, the cover having a cover peripheral flange and the body having a body peripheral flange, the method comprising: a step of moving a first clamp member of a clamp arrangement over a first one of the cover and body, wherein a clamp flange extends over a portion of a second one of the cover and body at a location opposite a junction between the cover peripheral flange and the body peripheral flange to apply a closing pressure when in an engaged position. 28. The method of feature 27 wherein: the step of moving the first clamp member includes moving the first clamp member from the engaged position toward a retracted position to keep the first clamp member secured to the first one of the cover and body in a manner that does not prevent the cover from opening relative to the body. 29. The method of features 27 to 28, wherein: the step of moving the first clamp member includes moving the first clamp member between the engaged and retracted positions. 30. The method according to features 27 to 29, wherein the clamp arrangement comprises a plurality of independent first clamp members, and the method comprises: a step of moving each first clamp member between the engaged position and the retracted position. 31. The method of feature 30, wherein the moving step comprises: rotating a first driver arrangement mounted on at least one first clamp member to move the at least one first clamp member between the engaged and retracted positions. 32. A method as in features 27-31 wherein the step of moving the first clamp member comprises: the step of moving the first clamp member between the engaged position and the retracted position in the housing arrangement according to at least one of the features 1 to 26. 33. A housing clamp arrangement usable on a housing arrangement including a cover and a body for closing or opening the housing, the housing clamp arrangement characterized by: the clamp member includes: a clamp flange; a driver system comprising a driver arrangement and an actuator member, the driver arrangement being mountable in use on the body of the housing arrangement and configured, on installation, to move the clamp member between a retracted position and an engaged position; said actuator member being mountable in use on said body of said housing; the actuator member having an extension on which the driver arrangement is mounted in use such that the driver arrangement moves along the actuator member to move the clamp member between the retracted and engaged positions; a guide arrangement mountable in use on the body of the housing arrangement with the clamp member moving between the retracted and engaged positions such that the clamp member is secured to the body by the guide member; and a stop arrangement on the guide arrangement that prevents the clamp member from falling out of the body of the housing when the clamp member is in the retracted position. 34. The housing clamp arrangement of feature 33, wherein: the housing is arranged to enclose an electrical housing that operates an electrical device. 35. The housing clamp arrangement of features 33 to 34, wherein: the housing is arranged as an explosion proof housing. 36. The housing clamp arrangement of features 33-35, wherein the driver arrangement comprises: an actuator mounted adjacent an outer surface of the clamp member; and an interference member positioned to engage with the actuator, the interference member positioned adjacent an inner surface of the clamp member such that when the driver arrangement is retracted, interference between the interference member and the inner surface of the clamp member causes the clamp member to move. 37. The housing clamp arrangement of features 33 to 36, wherein: the clamp member includes a first cover-engaging jaw, an opposing second jaw, and a central portion positioned between the first and second jaws; the first cover engaging jaw having an edge distal from the central portion of the clamp member, the first cover engaging jaw having a tapered flange engaging surface that tapers away from the second jaw as it extends toward the edge of the first cover engaging jaw; and the first cap-engaging jaw is configured to follow and engage an associated tapered portion of the cap when the clamp member is moved from the retracted position to the engaged position. 38. A housing arrangement characterized by: a housing having a cover and a body, the cover having a cover peripheral flange and the body having a body peripheral flange, the housing including a control handle mounted on the housing movable between a first rotational position and a second rotational position; a closure arrangement operable to selectively secure the enclosure closed; and a visual indicator mounted on the control handle such that when the control handle is in the first rotational position, the visual indicator inhibits entry into the closed arrangement, and when the control handle is in the second rotational position, the visual indicator facilitates opening into the closed arrangement. 39. The housing arrangement of feature 38, wherein: the housing is an electrical housing enclosing an operating electrical device. 40. The housing arrangement of features 38-39, wherein: the shell is an explosion-proof shell. 41. The housing arrangement of features 38-40, wherein: the visual indicator is a strip mounted for rotation with the control handle of the housing. 42. The housing arrangement of features 38-41, wherein: the housing arrangement is further according to feature 1; and the visual indicator has a length sufficient to cover at least a corner of the first clamp member. 43. The housing arrangement of features 38-42, wherein: the housing arrangement is further in accordance with at least one of the features 1 to 26. 44. A method of opening a housing arrangement including a control handle rotatable between a first rotational position and a second rotational position, the method characterized by: a step of observing a visual indicator of the housing arrangement, the visual indicator positioned to inhibit entry into a closed arrangement when the control handle of the housing is in a first rotational position; a step of displacing the control handle from the first rotational position to a second rotational position to cause the visual indicator to move away from the closed arrangement to facilitate entry into the closed arrangement prior to opening; and a step of opening the housing arrangement after the step of displacing the control handle from the first rotational position to the second rotational position. 45. The method of feature 44 wherein: the step of observing the visual indicator in the first rotational position is a step of observing an on position and the step of observing the visual indicator in the second rotational position is a step of observing an off position. 46. The method of features 44-45, wherein: the step of inhibiting access includes preventing the closure arrangement from moving between an engaged position and a retracted position on the housing arrangement. 47. The method of features 44 to 46, wherein: the step of facilitating access comprises allowing the closure arrangement to move on the housing arrangement between an engaged position and a retracted position. 48. A method according to features 44 to 47, wherein the step of observing a visual indicator comprises: according to features 1 to 26; a step of at least one of the features 38 to 43 observing the visual indicator in the assembly. 49. A housing arrangement characterized by: a housing having a cover and a body, the cover having a cover peripheral flange and the body having a body peripheral flange, the cover and body being openable along a junction between the cover peripheral flange and the body peripheral flange; and a housing manipulation assistance arrangement having a dependent closed assistance orientation and an open assistance orientation, the housing manipulation assistance arrangement comprising: at least one hook and fastening arrangement comprising: a first hook member; and a detachable attachment arrangement, the detachable attachment arrangement including; a first detachable attachment member positioned on the bonnet peripheral flange; and a second detachable attachment member positioned on the main body peripheral flange, the first and second attachment members positioned adjacent to each other and spaced apart from each other across the junction between the cover and main body peripheral flange; in the dependent closed assist orientation, the at least one hook and fastening arrangement is configured with the first hook member fastened across the engagement portion by the first and second detachable attachment members; and in the opening assist orientation, the first hook member has been removed from attachment to the housing and a first fastener has been replaced in the lid peripheral flange and a second fastener has been replaced in the body peripheral flange. 50. The housing arrangement of feature 49, wherein: the housing is an electrical housing enclosing an operating electrical device. 51. The housing arrangement of features 49-50, wherein: the shell is an explosion-proof shell. 52. The housing arrangement of feature 49, wherein: the first detachable attachment member is threadably connected to the cover peripheral flange and the second detachable attachment member is threadably connected to the body peripheral flange. 53. The housing arrangement of features 49-52, wherein: the first hook member is positioned across the engagement portion and the lid and body peripheral flange when the housing manipulation assistance arrangement is in the dependent closure assistance orientation. 54. The housing arrangement of features 49-53, wherein: the cover and body of the housing may be hingedly attached. 55. The housing arrangement of features 49-54, wherein: the first hook member is an angled bracket. 56. The housing arrangement of features 49-55, further comprising: a second hook and fastening arrangement mounted on the housing opposite the first hook and fastening arrangement. 57. The housing arrangement of features 49-56, wherein: the housing arrangement is further according to features 1 to 26; at least one of the features 38 to 43. 58. A method of positioning a housing arrangement, the method characterized by: a step of lifting the housing arrangement by a handling aid arrangement having at least one hook and fastening arrangement comprising a first hook member and first and second detachable attachment members; a step of removing the at least one hook and the first hook member of the fastening arrangement; and attaching the first fastener and the second fastener. 59. The method of feature 58, further comprising: a step of knocking open the housing arrangement by levering the first and second fasteners away from each other; the first and second fasteners are the first and second detachable attachment members. 60. A housing assembly, characterized by: a cover and a body, the cover having a cover peripheral flange and the body having a body peripheral flange; and a housing manipulation assistance arrangement having an opening assistance orientation, the housing manipulation assistance arrangement comprising: a detachable attachment arrangement, the detachable attachment arrangement including: a first detachable attachment member positioned in the bonnet peripheral flange; and a second detachable attachment member positioned in the main body peripheral flange, the first and second detachable attachment members positioned adjacent to each other and across a junction between the cover and main body peripheral flange; the first and second detachable attachment members are positioned such that the cover and body can be pried apart by prying apart the first and second detachable attachment members. 61. The housing assembly of feature 60, wherein: the housing assembly is an electrical housing assembly that encloses operating electrical equipment. 62. The housing assembly of features 60-61, wherein: the housing assembly is an explosion proof housing assembly. 63. The housing assembly of features 60-62, wherein: the first detachable attachment member is threadably connected to the cover peripheral flange and the second detachable attachment member is threadably connected to the body peripheral flange. 64. A method of opening a housing arrangement comprising a cover and a main body, the cover being open relative to the main body, the method being characterised by: prying open the housing arrangement by prying a first detachable attachment member attached to the cover and a second detachable attachment member attached to the main body. 65. The method of feature 64 wherein: the step of levering the first and second detachable attachment members includes the first and second detachable attachment members being threaded bolts. 66. The method of features 64-65, wherein the prying step comprises: according to features 1 to 26; features 38 to 43; the step of prying at least one of features 49 through 57 in the housing arrangement to pry the first and second detachable attachment members. 67. A housing arrangement characterized by: a housing having a cover and a body, the body defining a cavity; an electrical assembly mounted within the cavity of the body, the electrical assembly having a rotary switching device configured to move about a first arc of rotary motion between a first operational configuration and a second operational configuration, the first operational configuration being an energized configuration and the second operational configuration being a de-energized configuration; and a control handle mounted outside the body of the housing, the control handle configured to move about a second arc of rotational motion between a first rotational position and a second rotational position, the first rotational position being an on position that causes the rotary switching device to assume the energized configuration, and the second rotational position being an off position that causes the rotary switching device to assume the de-energized configuration. 68. The housing arrangement of feature 67, wherein: the housing is an electrical housing enclosing an operating electrical device. 69. The housing arrangement of features 67-68, wherein: the shell is an explosion-proof shell. 70. The housing arrangement of features 67-69, wherein: the first arc of rotational motion is different from the second arc of rotational motion. 71. The housing arrangement of features 67-70, wherein: the first arc of rotational motion is greater than the second arc of rotational motion. 72. The housing arrangement of features 67-71, wherein: the first arc of rotational motion is less than the second arc of rotational motion. 73. The housing arrangement of features 67-72, wherein: the first arc of rotational motion is equal to the second arc of rotational motion. 74. The housing arrangement of features 67-73, wherein: the second arc of rotational motion moves through an angle of no more than 60 degrees. 75. The housing arrangement of features 67-74, wherein: the second arc of rotational motion moves through an angle of no more than 50 degrees. 76. The housing arrangement of features 67-75, wherein: the first arc of rotational motion moves through an angle of at least 90 degrees. 77. The housing arrangement of features 67-76, wherein: the second arc of rotational motion is no more than 60% of the first arc of rotational motion. 78. The housing arrangement of features 67-77, wherein: the first arc of rotational motion is at least within 60% to 90% of the second arc of rotational motion, inclusive. 79. The housing arrangement of features 67-78, wherein: the control handle is mechanically coupled to the elongate shaft arrangement such that the elongate shaft arrangement rotates through the second arc of rotational motion, as is the control handle. 80. The housing arrangement of features 67-79, further comprising: an augmented rotating mechanical linkage arrangement positioned within the cavity of the body adjacent the electrical component, the augmented rotating mechanical linkage arrangement being connected to the control handle and the rotary switch device to translate angular motion externally about the second arc of rotational motion to angular motion internally about the first arc of rotational motion; and the housing arrangement includes an offset dead-end link arrangement connecting the control handle to the rotary switch device. 81. The housing arrangement of feature 80, wherein: the augmenting rotary mechanical linkage arrangement includes: a handle link mounted on the elongate shaft arrangement to rotate through the second arc of rotational movement as the control handle is moved, as are the elongate shaft arrangement and the control handle; a switch link mounted on said rotary switch device for rotation through said first arc of rotational movement to move said rotary switch device between said first and second operating configurations upon rotation of said control handle; and a translating link positioned between the handle link and the switch link. 82. The housing arrangement of features 80-81, wherein: the augmenting rotational mechanical linkage arrangement is configured such that the switch link is directed at an acute angle from a portion of the translating link toward the handle link when the control handle is in an on position. 83. The housing arrangement of features 80-82, further comprising: a drive stud pivotably attached to the enlarged rotary mechanical linkage arrangement, the drive stud engaging with the rotary switch device to rotatably pivot between the first and second operating configurations. 84. The housing arrangement of feature 83, further comprising: a drive stud stop positioned adjacent the electrical assembly to prevent disengagement of the drive stud from the rotary switching device. 85. The housing arrangement of features 67-84, further comprising: an offset end shaft link arrangement pivoting about a first axis of rotation between said first and second rotational positions; and the rotary switch device pivoting about a second axis of rotation between the first and second operating configurations; the first axis of rotation is offset from the second axis of rotation. 86. The housing arrangement of features 67-85, further comprising: a locking plate including a plurality of apertures to selectively lock the control handle as desired. 87. The housing arrangement of features 67-86, wherein: the housing arrangement is further according to at least features 1 to 26; features 38 to 43; features 49 to 57. 88. The housing arrangement of features 67-87, wherein: the housing arrangement is further according to feature 1; and the first clamp member inhibits movement of the control handle through the second arc of rotational movement by greater than 60 degrees when in the retracted position. 89. The housing arrangement of features 67-88, wherein: the housing arrangement is further in accordance with feature 38; the visual indicator covers the driver arrangement when the control handle is in the first rotational position to inhibit access to the closed arrangement, and the visual indicator does not cover the driver arrangement when the control handle is in the second rotational position to facilitate access to the closed arrangement. 90. A housing arrangement characterized by: a housing having a cover and a body, the body defining a cavity; an offset end shaft link arrangement mounted externally of the body of the housing to pivot about a first axis of rotation between a first rotational position and a second rotational position; and an electrical assembly mounted within the cavity of the body, the electrical assembly having a rotary switch arrangement that pivots about a second axis of rotation between a first operational configuration and a second operational configuration, the first operational configuration being an energized configuration and the second operational configuration being a de-energized configuration; and the first axis of rotation is offset from the second axis of rotation. 91. The housing arrangement of feature 90, wherein: the housing is an electrical housing enclosing an operating electrical device. 92. The housing arrangement of features 90-91, wherein: the shell is an explosion-proof shell. 93. The housing arrangement of features 90-92, wherein: the rotary switch device is configured to move about a first arc of rotary motion between the first and second operating configurations; and the offset end shaft link arrangement is configured to move about a second arc of rotational motion between the first and second rotational positions, the first rotational position being an on position that causes the rotary switching device to assume the energized configuration and the second rotational position being an off position that causes the rotary switching device to assume the de-energized configuration; the first arc of rotational motion is greater than the second arc of rotational motion. 94. The housing arrangement of features 90 to 93, wherein: the housing arrangement is further according to features 1 to 26; features 38 to 43; features 49 to 57; at least one of features 67 to 89. 95. A method of operating an active electrical component within an explosion-proof enclosure arrangement, the active electrical component including a rotatable switching device, the method characterized by: the control handle outside the housing is rotated by a first arc of rotational movement while rotation of the rotatable switching device is caused by a second arc of rotational movement. 96. The method of feature 95 wherein: the step of rotating the control handle includes the first arc of rotational motion being different than the second arc of rotational motion. 97. The method of features 95-96, wherein: the step of rotating the control handle includes the first arc of rotational motion being greater than the second arc of rotational motion. 98. The method of features 95 to 97, wherein: the step of rotating the control handle includes the first arc of rotational motion being equal to the second arc of rotational motion. 99. The method of features 95-98, wherein: the step of rotating the control handle includes the first arc of rotational motion being less than the second arc of rotational motion. 100. The method of features 95-99, wherein: the step of rotating the control handle includes the first arc of rotational motion moving through an angle of no more than 60 degrees. 101. The method of features 95-100, wherein: the step of rotating the rotatable switching device includes the second arc of rotational motion moving through an angle of at least 95 degrees. 102. A control device for a housing arrangement, the housing arrangement including a cover and a body defining a cavity for receiving an active electrical component, the active electrical component having a rotary switch device, the control device characterized by: a control handle mountable in use outside the body of the housing arrangement, the control handle being configured in use to move through a first arc of rotational movement whilst causing rotation of the rotary switch device through a second arc of rotational movement; the first arc of rotational motion is less than the second arc of rotational motion. 103. The control apparatus of feature 102, wherein: the housing is arranged to enclose an electrical housing arrangement that operates an electrical device. 104. The control apparatus according to features 102 to 103, wherein: the housing is arranged in an explosion proof housing arrangement. 105. The control apparatus of features 102-104, wherein: the first arc of rotational motion is greater than the second arc of rotational motion. 106. The control apparatus of features 102-105, wherein: the first arc of rotational motion is equal to the second arc of rotational motion. 107. The control device of features 102-106, further comprising: an augmented rotating mechanical linkage arrangement positioned within the cavity of the body adjacent the electrical component, the augmented rotating mechanical linkage arrangement connected to the control handle and the rotary switch device to transform angular motion externally about the first arc of rotational motion to angular motion internally about the second arc of rotational motion. 108. The control device of features 102-107, further comprising: an offset end shaft link arrangement pivoting the control handle about a first axis of rotation; and pivoting the rotary switch device about a second axis of rotation; the first axis of rotation is offset from the second axis of rotation. 109. A control device for a housing arrangement, the housing arrangement including a cover and a body defining a cavity for receiving an active electrical component, the active electrical component having a rotary switch device, the control device characterized by: a control handle mountable in use outside the body of the housing arrangement, the control handle being configured in use to pivot about a first axis of rotation whilst allowing the rotary switch device to pivot about a second axis of rotation; the first axis of rotation is offset from the second axis of rotation. 110. The control apparatus of feature 109 wherein: the housing is arranged to enclose an electrical housing arrangement that operates an electrical device. 111. The control apparatus of features 109 to 110, wherein: the housing is arranged in an explosion proof housing arrangement. 112. The control device of features 109-111, further comprising: an offset dead-end shaft linkage arrangement positioned within the cavity of the body adjacent the electrical assembly, the offset dead-end shaft linkage arrangement connected to the control handle and the rotary switch device to pivot the control handle about the first axis of rotation; and pivoting the rotary switch device about the second axis of rotation. 113. The control device of features 109-112, further comprising: increasing a rotary mechanical linkage arrangement configured, in use, to move the control handle through a first arc of rotary motion while causing rotation of the rotary switch device through a second arc of rotary motion; the first arc of rotational motion is less than the second arc of rotational motion. 114. A housing arrangement characterized by: a housing having a cover and a body, the body defining a cavity; an electrical assembly mounted within the cavity of the body, the electrical assembly having a non-toggle linearly actuated reset button configured to move linearly between a reset configuration and a non-reset configuration; a rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement mounted outside the body of the housing, the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement being configured, upon actuation, to move about an arc of rotational motion between a first rotational position and a second rotational position; the first rotational position causes the non-toggle linearly actuated reset button to assume the reset configuration and the second rotational position causes the non-toggle linearly actuated reset button to assume the non-reset configuration; and a rotary-to-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement positioned within the cavity of the body adjacent the electrical assembly, the rotary-to-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement transferring rotary motion from the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement to linear motion of the non-toggle linearly actuated reset button. 115. The housing arrangement of feature 114, wherein: the housing is an electrical housing enclosing an operating electrical device. 116. The housing arrangement of features 114-115, wherein: the shell is an explosion-proof shell. 117. The housing arrangement of features 114-116, wherein: the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement is mechanically coupled to the elongate shaft arrangement such that the elongate shaft arrangement rotates through the arc of rotational motion, as does the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement. 118. The housing arrangement of features 114-117, wherein: the rotary-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement comprises: an inner biasing member mounted on the elongate shaft arrangement to linearly pivot upon rotational movement of the elongate shaft arrangement and the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement about the arc of rotational motion. 119. The housing arrangement of feature 118, wherein: the internal biasing means includes a contact means to press the non-toggle linearly actuated reset button to the reset configuration when the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement is in the first rotational position. 120. The housing arrangement of features 114-119, further comprising: a spring biased actuator return-to-non-return arrangement. 121. The housing arrangement of features 114-120, wherein: upon release of the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement to the first rotational position, the non-toggle linearly actuated reset button automatically returns to the non-reset configuration by spring action. 122. The housing arrangement of features 119 to 121, wherein: the inner biasing member includes a bend point such that the contact member extends away from the bend point perpendicular to the inner biasing member. 123. The housing arrangement of features 119 to 122, wherein: the inner biasing member includes first and second apertures each configured for receiving the elongate shaft arrangement. 124. The housing arrangement of features 114-123, wherein: the housing arrangement is further according to features 1 to 26; features 38 to 43; features 49 to 57; features 67 through 89; at least one of the features 90 to 94. 125. A method of operating an active electrical component within an explosion-proof housing arrangement, the active electrical component including a non-toggle linearly actuated reset button, the method characterized by: a rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement to rotate the housing exterior about a rotational arc of motion between a first rotational position and a second rotational position while allowing the non-toggle linearly actuated reset button to be linearly actuated into a reset configuration. 126. The method of feature 125 wherein: the step of rotating the rotary reset actuator arrangement to the first rotational position causes the non-toggle linearly actuated reset button to be in the reset configuration; and the step of rotating the reset actuator arrangement to the second rotational position causes the non-toggle linearly actuated reset button to be in a non-reset configuration. 127. A reset device for a housing arrangement, the housing arrangement including a cover and a body defining a cavity for receiving an active electrical component having a non-toggling linear actuated reset button, the reset device characterized by: a reset handle mountable in use outside said body of said housing arrangement, said reset handle being configured in use to move through an arc of rotational motion while causing linear motion of said non-toggling linear actuation reset button. 128. The reset apparatus of feature 127 wherein: the housing is arranged to enclose an electrical housing arrangement that operates an electrical device. 129. The reset device of features 127 through 128 wherein: the housing is arranged in an explosion proof housing arrangement. 130. The reset device of features 127-129, further comprising: a rotary-to-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement positioned within the cavity of the body adjacent the electrical assembly, the rotary-to-linear motion mechanical linkage transferring rotary motion from the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement to linear motion of the non-toggle linearly actuated reset button. 131. The reset device of features 127 through 130 wherein: the reset handle is mechanically coupled to the elongate shaft arrangement such that the elongate shaft arrangement rotates through the arc of rotational motion, as does the reset handle. 132. The reset device of features 127 through 131 wherein: the rotary-linear motion mechanical linkage comprises: an inner biasing member mounted on the elongate shaft arrangement to linearly pivot upon rotational movement of the elongate shaft arrangement and the reset handle about the arc of rotational motion. 133. The reset apparatus of feature 132 wherein: the internal biasing member includes a contact member that presses the non-toggle linearly actuated reset button to a reset configuration when the reset handle is in a first rotational position. 134. The reset device of features 127-133, further comprising: a spring biased actuator return-to-non-return arrangement. 135. The reset device of features 127 through 134 wherein: upon release of the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement to the first rotational position, the non-toggle linearly actuated reset button automatically returns to the non-reset configuration by spring action. 136. A housing arrangement characterized by: a housing having a cover and a body, the body defining a cavity; an electrical assembly mounted within the cavity of the body, the electrical assembly having a non-toggling linear actuation switch button configured to move linearly between a first configuration and a second configuration; a rotationally operated actuator arrangement mounted outside the body of the housing, the rotationally operated actuator arrangement being configured, upon actuation, to move about an arc of rotational motion between a first rotational position and a second rotational position; the first rotational position causes the non-toggle linear actuation switch button to assume the first configuration and the second rotational position causes the non-toggle linear actuation switch button to assume the second configuration; and a rotary-to-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement positioned within the cavity of the body adjacent the electrical assembly, the rotary-to-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement transferring rotary motion from the rotationally operated switch actuator arrangement to linear motion of the non-toggle linearly actuated switch button. 137. The housing arrangement of feature 136, wherein: the non-toggle linearly actuated switch button is a reset button configured to move linearly between a reset configuration and a non-reset configuration.

Claims

1. A housing arrangement, comprising:

(a) a housing having a cover and a body, the cover having a cover peripheral flange and the body having a body peripheral flange, the housing including a control handle mounted thereon, the control handle being movable between a first rotational position and a second rotational position;

(b) a closed arrangement operable to selectively secure the housing closed; and

(c) a visual indicator mounted on the control handle such that when the control handle is in the first rotational position, the visual indicator inhibits access to the closed arrangement, and when the control handle is in the second rotational position, the visual indicator facilitates open access to the closed arrangement.

2. The housing arrangement of claim 1, wherein:

(a) the visual indicator is a strap mounted for rotation with the control handle of the housing.

3. A housing arrangement, comprising:

(a) a housing having a cover and a body, the cover having a cover peripheral flange and the body having a body peripheral flange, the cover and body being openable along a junction between the cover peripheral flange and the body peripheral flange; and

(b) a housing manipulation assistance arrangement having a dependent closed assistance orientation and an open assistance orientation, the housing manipulation assistance arrangement comprising:

(i) at least one hook and fastening arrangement comprising:

(a) a first hook member; and

(b) a detachable attachment arrangement including;

(1) a first detachable attachment member positioned on the bonnet peripheral flange; and

(2) a second detachable attachment member positioned on the main body peripheral flange, the first and second attachment members positioned adjacent to each other and spaced apart from each other across the junction between the cover and main body peripheral flange;

(ii) when in the hanging closed assist orientation, the at least one hook and fastening arrangement is configured with the first hook member fastened on the engagement portion by the first and second detachable attachment members; and is

(iii) When in the opening assist orientation, the first hook member has been removed from attachment to the housing, and the first fastener has been replaced in the lid peripheral flange and the second fastener is replaced in the body peripheral flange.

4. A housing arrangement, comprising:

(a) a housing having a cover and a body, the body defining a cavity;

(b) an offset end shaft link arrangement mounted outside the body of the housing to pivot about a first axis of rotation between a first rotational position and a second rotational position; and

(c) an electrical component mounted within the cavity of the body, the electrical component having a rotary switch arrangement that pivots about a second axis of rotation between a first operating configuration and a second operating configuration, the first operating configuration being an energized configuration and the second operating configuration being a de-energized configuration; and is

(i) The first axis of rotation is offset from the second axis of rotation.

5. The housing arrangement of claim 4, wherein:

(a) the rotary switch device is configured to move about a first arc of rotary motion between the first and second operating configurations; and is

(b) The offset end shaft link arrangement is configured to move about a second arc of rotational motion between the first and second rotational positions, the first rotational position being an on position that causes the rotary switching device to be in the energized configuration and the second rotational position being an off position that causes the rotary switching device to be in the de-energized configuration;

(i) the first arc of rotational motion is greater than the second arc of rotational motion.

6. A housing arrangement, comprising:

(a) a housing having a cover and a body, the body defining a cavity;

(b) an electrical assembly mounted within the cavity of the body, the electrical assembly having a non-toggle linearly actuated reset button configured to move linearly between a reset configuration and a non-reset configuration;

(c) a rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement mounted outside the body of the housing, the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement being configured, upon actuation, to move about an arc of rotational motion between a first rotational position and a second rotational position; the first rotational position causes the non-toggle linearly actuated reset button to be in the reset configuration and the second rotational position causes the non-toggle linearly actuated reset button to be in the non-reset configuration; and

(d) a rotary-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement positioned within the cavity of the body adjacent the electrical component, the rotary-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement transferring rotary motion from the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement to linear motion of the non-toggle linearly actuated reset button.

7. The housing arrangement of claim 6, wherein:

(a) the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement is mechanically coupled to the elongate shaft arrangement such that the elongate shaft arrangement rotates through the arc of rotational motion, as is the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement.

8. The housing arrangement of claims 6 to 7, wherein:

(a) the rotary-linear motion mechanical linkage arrangement comprises:

(i) an inner biasing member mounted on the elongate shaft arrangement to linearly pivot upon rotational movement of the elongate shaft arrangement and the rotationally operated reset actuator arrangement about the arc of rotational motion.